Book Review – One Last Kiss

27 Friday Jul 2018

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

Tags

Annie Rains, Blushing Bay series, Book Review, One Last Kiss

One Last Kiss

a Blushing Bay novella

by Annie Rains

Acclaimed chef, Abby Sawyer has been offered a chance to host her own cooking show. The catch is that it involves leaving Blushing Bay, North Carolina. There’s nothing left for her in the small coastal town anyway. When she gets locked in her restaurant’s basement with her estranged husband, however, she’s not going anywhere. And she’ll either end up killing or kissing her ex before the night is over.

Even though they’ve been separated for two years, commercial fisherman Sam Sawyer is devastated when he’s served divorce papers. He refuses to sign until he and Abby have talked. Knowing she’s alone at her restaurant this weekend, he heads over and finds her downstairs in the basement–just before the door slams shut and locks them in. Being trapped in a cellar means there’s nowhere to hide from the secrets they’ve been harboring. Sam is putting everything on the table tonight, including his heart, and hoping to win Abby back for good.

(While I think those that have read this series before will be most invested in the resolution of Abby & Sam’s troubles, this can easily stand on its own.)

In One Last Kiss, Rains beautifully captures how quickly a relationship can sour due to communication issues. Abby and Sam love each other deeply but have been apart for years. Both of them reacted emotionally (understandably) to situations and made some assumptions about the others feelings but because they didn’t talk to each other about what was going on things quickly got out of hand. When they finally clear the air, Rains does a fantastic job of making sure that readers feel for both of them on how things got so bad.

It may be a short read but Rains knows how to pack a punch. Her characters are very human and deal with life honestly & realistically. While I would definitely have loved a full length story for these two (publishing issues got in the way), in no way did I feel like I was shorted by getting a novella instead. While the catalyst to their reunion might have needed to be a little more dramatic, everything afterward was handled with great emotion and the care it deserved for something so important to their futures.

Spotlight – Stolen Kisses

26 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Annie Rains, Blushing Bay series, Stolen Kisses

Continuing her awesome new series (after Forbidden Kisses), the delightful Annie Rains brings us the new Sawyer to fall in love!

*****

Stolen Kisses

Blushing Bay, Book 2

by Annie Rains ~ USA Today Bestselling Author

Release Date: October 10^th 2017

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2wxsNnM

Hosted By: The Wit & Wonder Agency

Blurb:

Krista Nelson loves being a pediatric nurse. What she doesn’t love is her demanding boss and stressful workload. Fortunately, Krista knows she can count on a waterfront happy hour every Wednesday with her childhood best friend, Noah Sawyer, the one part of her life she never wants to change. But, like it or not, things are changing – because Krista can’t stop wondering what would happen if she grabbed Noah by the collar and kissed him like it was her job.

Bored of the superficial women he’s been dating, Noah’s putting his love life on hold so he can focus on his family’s high-end fishing business. Sure, there are moments when he’s tempted by Krista’s soft lips and killer smile – but her friendship is too important to Noah. How could he let himself jeopardize everything they share? The trouble is, if he doesn’t take the real risk of opening his heart, Noah might just let the perfect catch get away.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xxUclW

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2yDfGmy

iBooks: http://apple.co/2kF0bEv

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2yc9krq

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2yEuGki

“I adore the author’s voice, the compelling characters she creates that I want to spend time with, and the heartfelt moments as they fall helplessly in love” ~ Books and Spoons, Amazon Review.

“Stolen Kisses is a sweet romance that will sweep you away. I couldn’t get enough of Krista and Noah’s story. This has to be one of my favorite books that I have read to date!!” ~ Read with Me, Amazon Review.

*****

Excerpt:

“I get it. You have that biological clock thing ticking.”

This made Krista laugh even though she was half past frustrated. “Actually, yes. And, news flash, some men out there have the same thing.”

Noah looked at her, and if she wasn’t mistaken, maybe he felt a pang of sadness, or regret, or . . . “Maybe one day,” he said on a nod.

“One day what?”

“You know, maybe one day I’ll get married, too.”

This was the first time Krista had ever heard him talk of such. “No way.”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. It might be nice.”

“I can’t believe my ears right now.”

He looked at her again, his gaze sticking. Was she imagining the heat between them? Was it just her? His gaze dropped to her chest and her head went dizzy with desire and anticipation and . . . “You still wear that silly fishing hook I gave you when we were seven.” He reached out and lifted the charm off her chest, his hand achingly close to her racing heart.

“It’s one of my favorite things,” she said, mouth parched. The space between them was hot as a sauna.

“I caught my first Bass with this hook. That’s why it’s lucky.”

“And why you gave it to me before my surgery. It’s always brought me luck.”

His gaze lifted. “Good luck, I hope.”

“What?” Her head was spinning.

“Good luck and not bad.”

“Oh, right. Yes. I wouldn’t wear it if it brought bad luck.” A small laugh escaped her lips.

Get up, Krista. . . Kiss him, Krista . . . No, she’d kissed him first last time. She wasn’t doing that again. No way, no how . . .

His hand placed the charm back against her chest. He didn’t pull it away, though. Instead, he leaned in closer to her. Without thinking, Krista swallowed and rolled her lips inward to wet them. She was preparing for a kiss that couldn’t possibly happen.

There was no way. They were best friends, that’s all.

Then he reached up, pushed that unruly lock of hair behind her ear, and cupped the back of her neck, offering a gentle tug in his direction. Her body didn’t resist. Their gazes locked, a silent agreement that their lips were going to meet. “Noah,” she said, unsure if any other words would follow. A protest. A confession.

“I’m going to kiss you now, if that’s okay with you.”

She swallowed again, unable to think fast enough. She nodded. “Yes.”

Before she could take a breath, his lips brushed against hers and his hand ran down to her shoulder, holding her in place, grounding her to the moment. She parted her lips for him, allowing him to go deeper . . . because it felt right. This felt right.

And wrong on so many levels.

*****

Author Info:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Annie Rains, is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Annie’s Facebook Author Page:

https://www.facebook.com/Annie-Rains-1452963021669865/

Join Annie’s Facebook Reader Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/476944485847988/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/AnnieRains_

Bookbub Author Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/annie-rains

Find me on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13911602.Annie_Rains

Newsletter sign-up link:

http://smarturl.it/annierainsnewsletter

*****

Book Review – Forbidden Kisses

21 Friday Apr 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Annie Rains, Blushing Bay series, Book Review, Forbidden Kisses

Hopefully you are already familiar with the Hero’s Welcome series and are just as thrilled as I am to know that Annie Rains is introducing us to a new group in a new city!

*****

Forbidden Kisses

Blushing Bay #1

by Annie Rains

Releasing April 11, 2017

Loveswept

Blurb:

For years, Jack Sawyer’s family has been running their upscale seafood business like a finely tuned machine. But every machine breaks down eventually, and suddenly Jack needs a new office manager, a new kayak launch, and a new lease on life. Then Grace Donner shows up again. She’s smart, motivated, and perfect for the manager position, but if she’s anything like her mom, she can’t be trusted. And Jack has never been able to trust himself around Grace.

Grace hasn’t seen her former stepbrothers since their parents’ messy divorce, but she never forgot them—especially Jack. She misses being part of the big rambunctious Sawyer clan, and if there’s an opportunity to set things right, she means to do it. But she can’t ignore Jack’s irresistibly kissable lips, or the searing way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not looking. Their chemistry is more explosive than ever. And if the Sawyers can forgive and forget, anything is possible.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32717694-forbidden-kisses

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/196464-blushing-bay

Buy Links: AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

*****

Excerpt:

Jack reached for a folded blanket beside the cooler and laid it down on the open floor of the boat. “I know it’s not the most comfortable surface for lying back, but I thought we could look at the stars. It’s a favorite pastime of fishermen, you know.”

“Oh yeah?”

He reached for her hand to help her lower to the floor. She held on to his tightly, surprised at how off balanced she felt. Then they lay back together, close enough that they touched. The soft hair on Jack’s arm resting against hers aroused her senses.

Were they really just going to look at the stars?

Yes, it was all very romantic, but so was doing other things under the stars. Things she’d been thinking about since stepping aboard.

Jack pointed up at the sky and started to speak. Grace was tired of talking, though. Tired of resisting what she wanted, and right now all she wanted was Jack.

Unable to help herself, uninhibited by the wine and the romantic environment, she rolled on top of him and crushed her mouth over his.

Judging by the stiff protrusion that met her inner thigh, he wanted her just as much.

“Well, hello there,” he said, smiling against her mouth.

“I’m sorry,” she said, even though she didn’t mean it.

His hand slid down her back and settled on her bottom, pulling her snug against him. “I’m not. I’d decided tonight was for romance only, but I can’t think of anything more romantic than making love to you on this boat.”

White-hot heat tore through her. She was so hot that maybe it was time to start stripping.

As if reading her mind, Jack tugged the hem of her shirt up on her back and then over her head. The rest of her clothes fell away in the wake of his needy hands until she was tipsy and naked on the floor of his pontoon boat—on a boat ride to nowhere in particular, except his body was promising to shoot her to the low-hanging full moon.

*****

Review:

I loved, loved, loved Rains’ Hero’s Welcome series and I was very happy that many of the things that made those books great translated well to a new series. I enjoyed the relationship that develops between Jack and Grace. The whole former step-sibling thing isn’t icky at all and I think their friendship from years ago helps to give them a good basis for something new. The bond among the Sawyers is great and Grace befriends a couple of women that are definitely getting their own story soon. Characters and connections are a couple of things that Rains does so well – they feel real and work together in a natural way – and I was thrilled that they show so strongly here.

I did have a couple of issues that were specific to this story (and have nothing at all to what a fantastic storyteller Rains is) – the death of Jack’s friend and the dealings with Grace’s mother.

We know that Chris and Jack were out on a boat fishing together and that he … disappeared, I guess? Did they actually find a body? As I understand it Jack doesn’t know when or how he went overboard, that he never heard him cry out or any kind of impact. Everything is so vague about what happened to Chris that I never really figured it out. I don’t know if it is intentional and will come into play more later on or if we’re just supposed to make assumptions. But I really wanted some kind of closure to it 🙂

The other is all tied up with Grace’s mom and how she treated the Sawyer’s all those years ago. Grace has had years living with her mom and can see that she’s not the woman she was then but the two families have been avoiding each other all this time. To expect that the guys will just forgive and forget in about two minutes isn’t realistic. They’ve been nursing their wounds for a while and it is going to take them a bit to get over them, even if Jack is sleeping with Grace. I see her side of it but I also understand his and it’s not a good situation for either of them so a little patience on everyone’s part is needed. It adds some extra drama to what is already a pretty troublesome situation.

Like with her other series, there are a lot of secondary characters that help drag you in and keep you turning pages. I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next for Jack’s brothers. I’m pretty sure those two are going to have some more hardship to deal with before they can find their own happy ending.

*****

Author Info:

Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling author who writes small-town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and three children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

*****

Giveaway:

$25.00 Amazon eGift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81269/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Spotlight – Welcome to Forever

16 Thursday Mar 2017

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Annie Rains, Hero's Welcome series, Welcome to Forever

We’ve seen this book before (twice actually, as well as the rest of the series) but for those who haven’t read it yet now is the time … it’s on sale for only $0.99!!

*****

Welcome to Forever

Hero’s Welcome #1

by Annie Rains

Released December 1, 2015

Loveswept

Blurb:

“Don’t miss this sparkling debut full of heart and emotion!” raves Lori Wilde. The Hero’s Welcome military romance series introduces a small coastal town where America’s best and brightest risk everything for love.

In Seaside, North Carolina, there are two kinds of people: Marines, and kids of Marines. Then there’s Kat Chandler. Recently hired as the principal of Seaside Elementary, Kat makes it her mission to turn the school into a place of peace and calm. That’s not going to be easy with hard-liner parents like Micah Peterson storming in, telling her how to do her job—and then kissing her with those gorgeous lips of his and turning her brain into mush.

As a Marine Sergeant and a single dad, Micah Peterson has just two priorities: doing his job better than anyone else, and getting the absolute best for his son, Ben. But when he meets Ben’s beautiful new principal, a different yearning shifts into focus. He wants her, sure, but he’s also moved by the connection Kat forges with her students. So after learning that she refuses to date Marines, Micah sets two more objectives: convincing Kat to give him a chance . . . and then holding on to her forever.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25614154-welcome-to-forever

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/154832-hero-s-welcome

Buy Links: AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE |iTUNES | KOBO

*****

Excerpt:

“Have you thought about that kiss?” she asked, as he leaned in close to fasten her seatbelt. She couldn’t control what was coming out of her mouth. “Because I have. A little.” She started laughing again. Val had warned her that she was a horrible drunk, and evidently, it was true.

“What have you thought about it?” he asked, his voice low and bristly. Her buckle snapped into place with a loud click. He could step back now, but he didn’t.

And she didn’t want him to. What was the point of being drunk if you couldn’t say and do what you wanted, and then apologize for it in the morning? No one blamed a drunk, they blamed the drink. “I thought that I liked it. The kiss. It was amazing.” She held her breath as he lingered in front of her, his hand still resting on the seat’s buckle.

“I thought the same thing.”

“You did?” She swallowed thickly, as her heart rode up her throat.

His brow lifted. “You sound surprised.”

“I’m out of practice.” She nibbled on her lower lip, drawing his gaze there. Then his gaze flicked back to her ring. Just the thought squashed the flutterings in her chest, leaving a deep ache that vibrated with the alcohol. “He’s been gone for two years,” she said.

Micah’s brows pinched together softly.

Explaining about John in her state wasn’t a good idea, though. She might start crying, which she didn’t do in front of others anymore, and right now all she wanted to do was forget everything but their kiss. That she wanted to remember. “You could kiss me again,” she said softly.

His smile deepened and, damn, he smelled good.

Leaning in closer to her ear, his hot breath melted her as he whispered, “Kat, you’ve had too much to drink. I’m taking you home now.”

Before she could process what he’d said, he stepped back and shut the Jeep’s door, the sound as offensive as if someone had crashed cymbals in her ears. A moment later, he reappeared on the driver’s side and cranked the engine, another sound that made her wince.

She closed her eyes, unsure of what to do with her drunken emotions.

“If I kiss you again, I want to be one hundred percent sure it’s what you want. Not because my almost ex is walking up and you want to help me out. Not because you’ve had too much to drink and want to escape.”

She suddenly felt very tired, as the Jeep Cherokee headed out of the parking lot. “So, you are going to kiss me again?” she asked. Before she could hear his answer, though, her eyes closed and the sounds of the road and his voice, and the blood thundering in her head, blurred together. She remembered their kiss, the feel of his stubble roughly brushing against her cheek, and the way he had smelled like pine and fudge brownies.

No, wait. His eyes reminded her of fudge brownies. He didn’t smell like them.

Her eyes fluttered open. Yeah, she was definitely going to regret tonight in the morning.

*****

Author Info:

Annie Rains is a USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love.

When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her three favorite authors.

Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – Welcome Home for Christmas

11 Friday Nov 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Annie Rains, Book Review, Hero's Welcome series, Welcome Home for Christmas

Totally an accident but we’ve got a story with a homecoming for a Marine for Veteran’s Day (and just after their birthday too).

I’ve read all four books in this series and I’m pleased to say that Rains is still going strong.

*****

Welcome Home for Christmas

A Hero’s Welcome #4

by Annie Rains

Releasing November 8, 2016

Loveswept

Blurb:

The bestselling Hero’s Welcomes series continues with a juicy Christmas romance set in Seaside, North Carolina, where a bustling military base keeps this small town stocked with dedicated, lovable heroes.

Three-hundred-and-sixty-four days a year, Allison Carmichael doesn’t mind being single. It sure beats dating another loser, and it keeps her heart safe. Then there’s that three-hundred-and-sixty-fifth day: Christmas Eve, the traditional time her entire family gathers together—and gangs up on her, demanding to know when she’s going to get married. This year, she swears, is going be different. And that’s why, at a charity auction she’s throwing on-base, she buys herself a man.

Sergeant Troy Matthews insists that he’s not for sale. His time is, though, and he’s happy to donate it. Happier still when he learns the identity of the winning bidder: the redhead with the killer good looks and smart mouth who runs the veteran’s center. Allison needs Troy’s help to fool her family into believing they’re an item, and he’s all too happy to indulge her. But by the time Christmas Eve rolls around, their little charade is working a little too well . . . because Troy’s falling head over heels.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31349355-welcome-home-for-christmas

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/154832-hero-s-welcome

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“So there’s one thing I now know about you. You’re a good liar.” Allison folded her arms at her chest.

“Good, maybe. But I value honesty. Sometimes lying to someone is for their own good, though. A little white lie never really hurt anyone. Here’s one for you,” he leaned in closer and lowered his voice, “I have absolutely no interest in dating you, either.”

Her cheeks flushed.

“And I don’t think you’re the most beautiful woman in this room, and the thought of taking you out does not appeal to me whatsoever.” He shook his head. “Nope, not one little bit.”

She smiled. “Now I know two things about you. You lie well and you’re a smooth talker. So, do you agree to my proposal?”

Troy could just say yes, but he was enjoying engaging her in a conversation. “You know, when I was kid, Christmas was always magical. I’d sit with the toy catalog and create this huge, mile-long list of the things I wanted. I never got so excited about a pencil and paper.”

“Did you get everything on the list?” she asked.

“Usually.”

“So your family had money?”

He nodded. His family practically owned the town he’d grown up in. He didn’t know what it felt like to want for something until his cousin Dale had died in 9-11, the deciding factor in him joining the military. “I figure the more money raised for those kids, the better their Christmas will be.”

“That’s my goal. I want this to be the best Christmas Mercy’s kids have ever had.”

“So, if I have to take you out . . .” He trailed off, smiling at her.

“We’re just going to talk. Have a meal or something together. No kissing, no handholding.”

Troy held up his hands. “I’m an honorable guy. I don’t force myself on women. Truth is, I usually have to fight them off.” He winked again.

“And you can’t act like that when you meet my mother.”

“Like what?” he asked.

“All flirty and charming. She’ll never believe that I’d fall for someone like that.”

He tried not to take offense because no matter what she was saying, she was attracted to him. He could see it in her dilated pupils and the way her chest rose just slightly under her racing pulse. “No? What kind of guy exactly would you fall for?”

Allison looked around the room. There was still a nice-sized crowd laughing and mingling. Christmas music filled the merry air. “I wouldn’t fall for any kind of guy right now. That’s why I’m pretending with you.”

*****

Review:

Like with Welcoming the Bad Boy, this one seemed a little easier read (more traditional contemporary romance). While it does have a lot of heart and a lovely story about two people meeting and falling in love, the first couple of stories of the series seemed to have more angst to them. Mind you I’m not complaining, some times you need that and sometimes you don’t 🙂

But the upside is that Rains doesn’t lose her deft touch at writing involved stories just because she leaves out some of the soul-searching and drama. She still gives readers fully developed and wonderfully crafted characters. The narrative is engrossing and I found myself reading it in about a day because it was so easy to get into and so hard to put down.

Allison needs a pretend boyfriend because she’s got one of those loving families that likes to get a little too involved in her life. Her mom is on her about settling down but when she brings a beau over then her mom’s psychologist skills come out and she tells Allison exactly what’s wrong with him … darned if you do, darned if you don’t, right? The family is very loving but you can totally understand how Allison finds herself in this situation. Recently burned, though, she’s not in the market for a real boyfriend, which is where Troy comes in.

Troy doesn’t have anything against love or relationships, he just not looking for either right now. But he’s sure not going to ignore the intense attraction between him and Allison. I love that there isn’t anything really wrong with Troy – he’s just a happy-go-lucky guy who hasn’t yet found a woman he wants to get serious with. He’s sweet, kind, sexy, hard-working, caring, blah blah blah, ya know just perfect.

The slow build between the two as Allison resists her attraction to Troy and he enjoys flirting with her just to see her react is fantastically entertaining. They dance around the issue with humor and fun but you know that they are totally getting together.

There are some serious moments – the interactions with their families (Troy has his own troubles at home), orphans without toys, and a burglar stealing from people in Allison’s neighborhood – but it all works together very nicely with the playfulness, heat and charm of them falling in love.

*****

Author Info:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Annie Rains, is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – Welcoming the Bad Boy

11 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Annie Rains, Book Review, Hero's Welcome series, Welcoming the Bad Boy

Y’all, who doesn’t love a bad boy in uniform?!?!

*****

Welcoming the Bad Boy

Hero’s Welcome #3

by Annie Rains

Releasing August 2, 2016

Loveswept

Blurb:

From the bestselling author of Welcome to Forever (“Full of heart and emotion!”—Lori Wilde) comes a sweet, sexy novel about breaking all the rules. In Seaside, North Carolina, the boys on the base are heroes—but that doesn’t mean they’re always well-behaved.

As a preacher’s daughter, Valerie Hunt only dates the very respectable, very boring men who meet her father’s strict standards. In private, however, she leads a double life as a romance writer of steamy stories about the least respectable sorts of men. Valerie has always kept her hottest fantasies separate from her real life, but when she nearly runs a hot-blooded biker off the road, the lines begin to blur.

Even though Valerie almost killed him, Griffin Black can’t be angry after he learns the reason for her distracted driving: an unruly puppy belonging to her ailing friend. As a member of the military police K-9 unit, Griffin insists on training the dog himself. But he soon wonders how he’s ever going to stay disciplined around the most alluring, down-to-earth, and totally unattainable woman he’s ever met. Valerie is the ultimate good girl. And Griffin is going to need all his old tricks to unleash her wild side.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27774343-welcoming-the-bad-boy

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/154832-hero-s-welcome

Amazon | B & N | Google | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“Damn.” He tipped her chin up with his index, looking at her with his dark molasses eyes. “I’m serious. I want to go out on a date tomorrow. No sex.”

“No sex?” she asked.

“Just flowers and chocolates. And lots of kissing. Say yes to me,” he said, kissing her mouth again, making it impossible for her to tell him no.

“But there is more sex tonight, right?” she asked, moaning as he lowered his mouth to cover one breast.

“Say yes, Val,” he said, as the rough, unshaven edge of his jaw scraped against her skin, feeding her arousal.

“Yes,” she said through shortened breaths. “I say yes.”

He emitted a low laugh that tickled against her skin. Then he thrust himself inside her again, making up for the arrangement they’d just made for tomorrow. Making up for all the lonely nights she’d endured until this one. Making up for all the lonely nights she would endure after he was gone.

*****

Review:

(This is the third book in this series – after Welcome to Forever and Welcome Home Cowboy – but it can be read on its own. Val and Griffin are friends with the couples from the first two books, and they make the occasional appearance, but their storylines don’t come into play here. Although it is nice to get an update on their relationships 🙂 )

I did find this one to be a little lighter of a read than the first two books. Griffin has issues with his mom and Val has a difficult relationship with her dad, but overall this came off as a little more of a traditional contemporary romance than what we’ve seen before.

Since they have friends that are in relationships together, Griffin and Val are aware of each other but they haven’t spent any time together. A freak meeting puts them on a collision course that quickly turns flirtatious. It’s a slow burn as they get to know each other and we get to know them a little better. Spending time together has them evaluating a few things and making some decisions about their lives & the relationships that they hold dear.

Val is keeping her career as an author secret from everyone and you know that some how that is going to bite her. I will say that I didn’t feel that part of the book was handled completely. And she also makes some decisions that doesn’t make that much sense if she wants to keep it a secret … although maybe she was just aching to get caught.

The parts with her relationship with Griffin and her time with the people at the retirement community, even the stuff with her dad that needed to be addressed before she could truly be free (and which needed about three more paragraphs to really satisfy me), are wonderful. But the author thing only worked for me in spots. It wasn’t enough to cause me trouble but it did make me shake my head here and there 🙂

With sexy and fun characters, entertaining and flirtatious interactions mixed with heart and emotion when it comes to those who mean the most to them, Rains delivers another heart warming love story. And you just know she’s got a couple more good ones up her sleeve.

*****

Author Info:

Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina.

Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

$20.00 Amazon or B&N eGift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81102/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – Welcome Home, Cowboy

04 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Annie Rains, Book Review, Hero's Welcome series, Welcome Home Cowboy

On Monday I posted the review for book 1 – Welcome to Forever – and as promised here is book 2!

*****

Welcome Home, Cowboy

A Hero’s Welcome #2

by Annie Rains

Releasing April 26, 2016

Loveswept

Blurb:

With its thriving military base, Seaside, North Carolina, is teeming with heroes of all stripes. But, as the Hero’s Welcome series from Annie Rains continues, it takes a cowboy to rescue the town’s newest resident from heartache.

After a bad breakup leaves Julie Chandler completely devastated, she comes to Seaside seeking a fresh start. A talented, compassionate yoga teacher, she has developed a program to help alleviate the effects of PTSD, but getting a bunch of bullheaded Marines into downward facing dog might be impossible. So Julie’s shocked when one of her first students dives in headfirst—and almost tempts her to take down her walls with his easy smile and electrifying touch.

Ever since Texas cowboy turned Marine pilot Lawson Phillips lost a crew member in a helicopter accident, he hasn’t been able to fly. When a psychologist orders him to attend, of all things, a yoga class, Lawson’s outraged—until he finds out Julie is the instructor. She’s beautiful, graceful, and completely guarded when it comes to his advances, but he’s determined to find out what makes her tick. Because underneath Julie’s hard shell is a woman Lawson knows he could fall for—and he’s not ready for the ride to end.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25893437-welcome-home-cowboy

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“Come ride with me anytime,” he said, helping her dismount from the horse when they were back at the barn. He didn’t place his hands on her ass this time, which was both regrettable and a relief. Instead, he steadied her waist with his hands. She turned to face him after he helped her to the ground, and was surprised to find how close they were standing. Close enough that the brim of his hat on her head nearly touched his chin.

“This belongs to you.” She took off the hat and went up on her tiptoes to put it back where it belonged. Their eyes locked as the movement brought them even closer together. Her heart bucked again, like a wild horse ready to bolt.

Returning to flat feet, she started to step away. Needed to step away. Too bad Bon-Bon was still behind her, blocking her escape.

“Julie?” he said, making her feet pause and her heart stutter. She liked the sound of her name on his lips. Low, deep.

“Yes?” she asked breathlessly.

He reached out his hand to tame a strand of her hair brushing against her cheek. “You have what I call hat-hair.” He took his time smoothing the hair around her ear, awakening every nerve in her body. Then he slowly dipped, keeping his blue-as-the-ocean eyes on hers, and kissed her.

She melted into him instead of stepping away. The side of his cheek on hers was warm and inviting, intoxicating. His tongue tapped softly against hers, just once, as he swept his hand behind her neck, pulling her gently toward him.

A soft moan escaped her throat, betraying her. She parted her lips for him, inviting him in, begging him to stay, which he did for just a moment longer. Then he broke it off, keeping it sweet. The kiss had threatened to be more, though. It had threatened to take her inside that barn, lay her down on a blanket of hay, and be a whole hell of a lot more.

“See you later, Lawson,” she said, forcing herself to step away from him, away from the horse and the barn. She turned toward her car and didn’t look back. Otherwise, her hormones were going to win and drag this cowboy into the barn and slam the stall doors behind them.

“See you later, Julie,” he called after her.

*****

Review:

We actually saw the first book in this series earlier this week and I was so excited to see Julie & Lawson’s story. It’s not an easy series to read – things are light and it doesn’t go by fast. It’s something you have to digest because it is full of emotion and requires a slower pace to really appreciate it. (And even though this is the second story, it can stand on its own.)

Neither Lawson nor Julie are really ready for a relationship because both of them have issues they need to work through. But what the mind knows is right isn’t necessarily what the heart wants. They do take their time, spending time together and getting to know one another better. It’s a slow build and a sweet one. And you’ll find yourself hoping that they find a way to work things out.

I did feel like maybe Lawson didn’t address his survivor’s guilt as much as he should have. Of course, we got the resolution of his issues with flying but I think there was more there that could have been explored. I did like that Julie did resolve things with her ex. That was an important step for her to make.

Even though this series take a little more effort than I’m used to because of its depth, I’m definitely enjoying it and I’m looking forward to seeing what Rains brings us next. She has options (and I’m really hoping one of them is the guy who lost his leg in the crash that grounded Lawson).

*****

Author Info:

Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Author Links: Website | FB | Twitter | GR

*****

Giveaway:

$25.00 Amazon eGift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81009/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour

Book Review – Welcome to Forever

02 Monday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Annie Rains, Book Review, Hero's Welcome series, Welcome to Forever

Welcome to Forever

A Hero’s Welcome Novel

by Annie Rains

If you love Kristan Higgins, Susan Mallery, or Jill Shalvis, you won’t want to miss the Hero’s Welcome military romance series! Welcome to Forever introduces a small coastal town where America’s best and brightest risk everything for love.

(We’ll be seeing book 2 of this series later this week so I wanted to get this in first .. I read this one ages ago but somehow missed posting the review 😦 )

Rains delivers a wonderfully realistic look at two people whose history makes getting involved quite complicated. Micah is an amazing dad and works really hard to give his son the best life he can (and I have to say Ben is such a bright spot in an already enjoyable book – so sweet, spunky and positive, I think he was my favorite character). Kat has already suffered heartbreak once and isn’t looking to be involved with a marine ever again, but meeting such a devoted dad and stand-up guy as Micah makes it hard to resist.

I loved seeing these two become friends and then more. There’s the required troubles between them but they are all handled in a believable manner and never seem to overpower the story. I can’t wait to see what Rains brings us next 🙂

Spotlight – Welcome to Forever

11 Friday Dec 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Annie Rains, Hero's Welcome series, Welcome to Forever

Today we’re back to military hotties … and anything that is compared to Kristan Higgins, Susan Mallery or Jill Shalvis is definitely going to the top of my TBR pile. I love those ladies and I’m always looking for new reads like their’s.

*****

Welcome to Forever

Hero’s Welcome #1

by Annie Rains

Releasing December 1, 2015

Loveswept

Blurb:

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25476323-welcome-to-forever

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/154832-hero-s-welcome

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

*****

Excerpt:

“What have you thought about it?” he asked, his voice low and bristly. Her buckle snapped into place with a loud click. He could step back now, but he didn’t.

“I thought the same thing.”

“You did?” She swallowed thickly, as her heart rode up her throat.

His brow lifted. “You sound surprised.”

Micah’s brows pinched together softly.

Explaining about John in her state wasn’t a good idea, though. She might start crying, which she didn’t do in front of others anymore, and right now all she wanted to do was forget everything but their kiss. That she wanted to remember. “You could kiss me again,” she said softly.

His smile deepened and, damn, he smelled good.

Leaning in closer to her ear, his hot breath melted her as he whispered, “Kat, you’ve had too much to drink. I’m taking you home now.”

She closed her eyes, unsure of what to do with her drunken emotions.

No, wait. His eyes reminded her of fudge brownies. He didn’t smell like them.

Her eyes fluttered open. Yeah, she was definitely going to regret tonight in the morning.

*****

Author Info:

Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors. Represented by Sarah Younger at Nancy Yost Literary Agency (NYLA).

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

*****

Giveaway:

$50 Amazon Gift Card and a Book Bundle

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c8852/

*****

Click on the banner below to check out the rest of the tour