BelovedΒ New York TimesΒ bestselling author Jill Shalvis begins a new series–Sunrise Cove–set near beautiful Lake Tahoe, with a heartwarming story of found family and love.
During the snowstorm of the century Levi Cutler is stranded on a ski lift with a beautiful stranger named Jane. After strong winds hurl the gondola in front of them into the ground, Levi calls his parents to prepare them for the worst…but can’t bring himself to say goodbye. Instead, wanting to fulfill his mother’s lifelong wish, he impulsively tells her he’s happily settled and Jane is his girlfriend–right before his phone dies.
But Levi and Jane do not.
Now Levi’s family is desperate to meet “The One.” Though Jane agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for just one dinner, she’s nervous. After a traumatic childhood, Jane isn’t sure she knows how to be around a tight-knit family that cherishes one another. She’s terrified, and a little jealous. But an unexpected series of events and a host of new friends soon show Jane that perhaps this is the life she was always meant to have.
As Jane and Levi spend more time together, pretend feelings quickly turn into real ones. Now all Jane has to do is admit to herself she can’t live without the man she’s fallen in love with and the family she has always dreamed of.
Review:
I always look forward to a Shalvis book because I know that the characters are going to be enjoyable and I’m going to find myself engaged in their journey to a HEA. Buuuuut, I have to add a warning because her newest is not for those who don’t like a little drama in their love stories π Jane and her friend, Charlotte, have some commitment issues due to things that happened in their pasts, so there is quite a bit of back-and-forth, will-they-won’t-they going on and it may not be for everyone. Luckily they both have amazingly understanding men in their lives and the love & support of each other to help them face their fears.
Heβs always strong, always faithfulβ¦but will he be always hers?
Pregnant, alone and temporarily staying at her familyβs cabin in northern Minnesota, Clara Olafson is determined to overcome the hurt of her recent past and build a good life for herself and her child. The last thing she expects to find on her morning walk through the state forest nearby is an unconscious and injured former Marine.
Colin βFitzβ Fitzhugh might have initially joined the Corps to prove that he was more than just a wealthy playboy, but he grew to love the brotherhood and purpose he found thereβuntil his last mission in Afghanistan cost the life of one of his men and left him badly scarred in body and mind. Hoping to shed some of his pain and guilt alone in the wilderness, instead he finds a feisty, pregnant angel.
Sparks fly as sassy Clara nurses the gruff and mysterious Fitz back to health, but the happiness and peace they both begin to find in the little cabin is shattered when Clara faces a health emergency. When Fitz reluctantly chooses to return to the wealth and privilege of his family in order to save her and the baby, he plunges them all into a glittering society that Clara doesnβt know if she likes. But Fitz might just prove to her that, whether heβs being a billionaire philanthropist or a sudden stand-in dad, heβs always hers.
Reader advisory: This book contains a mention of attempted murder.
Clara Olafson hummed a little to herself as she walked heavily down the overgrown trail. This far out into the forest, the trails werenβt maintained as regularly as the ones closer to the visitor center. The morning air was crispβnorthern Minnesota in late August could feel like October or November in the rest of the countryβbut she liked it that way. The cool air buffeting her felt like a familiar, albeit chilly, blanket. Like home. Plus, it quickened her steps, which was good for her and the baby. A couple of times lately, sheβd had the oddest sensation, almost like a trickle of ice-water down her spine, that she was being watched or followed, but she blamed the crazy pregnancy hormonal imbalance. This morning, though, she felt nothing but the fresh breeze behind her.
Sheβd started the habit of an early-morning walk when sheβd moved out to the cabin two months earlier, and she intended to keep it up until the day she went into laborβwhich actually could be pretty soon. The OB sheβd been seeing in St. Paulβbeforeβhad said to stay active, and she wanted to do everything she could to make sure that the little life she carried had the best possible start. Sheβd read several books, along with what felt like a couple of thousand websites, and she was avoiding lunchmeat, green tea, fake sweeteners, caffeineβeven chocolate. Goodness, chocolate had been the hardest to give up, with coffee a close second. She now had a recurring dream where she walked into a dimly lit coffee house and ordered a massive frozen-mocha-latte-smoothie with curls of dark chocolate and mounds of whipped cream on top, but she always woke up before she could take a sip. Her mouth watered just thinking about it.
βNo,β she chided, half speaking to herself and also to the baby. βNo chocolate for the baby, no matter how much Mama wants it.β She reached down to rub her swollen belly, as she did so often these days, and smiled at the firm kick she got in response, right under her palm. A rush of affection and protectiveness so intense that it almost frightened her swept through, taking her by surprise. It was amazing to hold a tiny, growing human inside her, but also terrifying to be so totally and solely responsible for someone else.
Even in the midst of her awe, the craving persisted, so intense that she could almost taste the chocolate melting on her tongue. Maybe Iβm just longing for something sweet? She wasnβt supposed to have too much sugar, but fruit was definitely still okay. The berries on the blackberry and raspberry bushes a little farther down the path were just starting to ripen again. They would be tart and juicy. She licked her lips at the thought and smiled at her own eagerness. Anyone who gets between a pregnant woman and her desired food deserves whatever happens to him. She quickened her pace, thankful sheβd worn long pants and sleeves to avoid the prickly bushes. If there were enough berries, maybe sheβd even come back later with a pail and pick enough for a pie. Oh, good Lord, the idea of a piece of pie, even just a tiny sliver, warm from the oven with a flaky crust, was so wonderful that she almost groaned aloud.
Practically trotting and out of breath by the time she reached the bushes, she was thrilled to see a few ripe berries straight away, which she snapped off their thin branches and popped into her mouth. Cold juice exploded on her tongue, and she sighed with pleasure. The ripe berries were few and far between, though. Most of them were still hard and green. Even so, there were enough on each bush to take her deep into the thicket as she sought out every last berry that was ready to eat, crunching them with gusto. It could have been some crazy sensory thing, but she didnβt know if sheβd ever tasted anything more delicious.
At first, she thought the moaning might be coming from her stomach. Heaven knew it made all sorts of noises these daysβgurgles, churns and growls so loud they woke her up at night. But this sound was too loud and too deep. She froze and tilted her head, listening. When the low moan came again, her heart seemed to jump right up into her throat. What the heck? Taking a slow, calming breath and narrowing her eyes, she scanned the thicket. Probably a deer in distress, she reassured herself. At least she hoped it was a deer, because if it were a moose or a bear, she could be in real trouble. She couldnβt make out much of anything through the thick leaf-cover at first, but finally a slight shaking in the bushes ahead and to her right signaled the location of whatever injured creature was there.
She hesitated. A prudent woman would go back to the cabin and call for help. She knew this. She should be careful and not her usual impulsive self. But then the noise came again, so sad and filled with pain that it made her throat tighten and her eyes fill with tears. Pure, uncontrollable sympathy made her step one foot forward, and her distinctly un-prudent decision was made. If the animal can make a noise like that, she reasoned, itβs unlikely to be able to move enough to hurt me if I stay back. And I wonβt get too close.
The stand of bushes was situated in a small valley with steep inclines that were blanketed with pine trees rising high on either side. As she got nearer to the wounded creature, she could see a faint trail of crushed and broken foliage leading to it from the opposite direction, and she guessed that the poor animal had probably fallen from the higher ground. Her heart squeezed with compassion. It must be in so much pain. She slowed her steps, carefully placing her weight on the balls of her feet instead of the heels and trying to breathe silently to avoid startling the mystery animal.
She braced herself for a very ugly scene, but what she found instead made her suck in a surprised breath. Two huge, black boots stood out dark against the green undergrowth, and her eyes followed their forms to two blue-jeans-clad legs, one of which looked somewhat twisted. Her gaze trailed up farther, to where the form was more obscured by leaves, but she could still make out an enormous hand and the weave of a thick green sweater, shifting slightly with the manβs breathing. She hurried forward.
βOh, my goodness, you poor man! Whereβs the worst pain?β she asked, trying to keep her voice quiet so as not to startle him. There was no answer, apart from another piteous groan, and when his face finally came into full view, she saw why. His eyes were closed, and an ugly lump had formed at his temple, already dark with a hint of the bad bruising to come. The blow must have also knocked him unconscious.
She lowered herself to the ground awkwardly, her movements hampered by the clumsiness of late-pregnancy and the ever-present swelling that made her fingers and toes feel like little sausages stuffed into casings that were too small. She wanted to assess where his injuries might be, though, and to do that, she needed to get closer. Sheβd taken several first-aid classes as a young teenager, practically a requirement as a doctorβs daughter in a rural area, so she felt reasonably optimistic she could stabilize the worst of whatever his injuries were before she ran back to the cabin to call 9-1-1. Why in the world did I choose today of all days not to bring my cell phone? She cursed under her breath, immediately murmuring an apology to her baby.
As her movements brought her closer to him, she couldnβt help but notice that, apart from his injuries, the man appeared to be in extremely good shape. His leg muscles bulged, even through the thick denim of his jeans, and his broad shoulders and chest looked solid and strong. She glanced at his face, noticing that his hair was cropped close to his skullβthe length a lot of military and ex-military men keep it, she thought absently. Even if she couldnβt see his eyes, he was undeniably handsome with high cheekbones, dark brows and eyelashes, a strong chin and nose, and soft-looking lips. He was younger than sheβd initially thought, too. Maybe in his early thirties.
Running carefully light hands over his legs, she felt the spot where one of his knees was twisted and swollen, but she was relieved that she didnβt feel anything else that seemed out of place on his lower extremities. There were a few areas that were uneven, but she guessed it could be fabric bunching or debris from the fall. She skimmed her fingers over his hips to his chest, which were just as hard and muscular as sheβd guessed, to his bulky arms. To her dismay, one of his wrists also felt slightly enlarged. Finally, she moved a tentative hand to his head. She rose onto her knees, leaning over for a better view to see how large and swollen the area was, which should be pretty visible through his ultra-short hair. Head wounds could be tricky, bleeding internally as well as externally. The swelling there was almost certainly what was causing his unconsciousness.
Just as the tips of her fingers made contact with the most swollen spot, without a breath of warning one of the manβs mammoth hands clamped around her wrist, stopping her from moving. She squeaked and tried to take her arm away, but his grip held her firm. When her gaze flashed to his face, he was staring back at her with bright blue eyes that were filled with a mix of suspicion and confusion.
*****
Review:
Clara is a kind person who fell for the wrong man and is now spending some time on her own, regrouping and waiting for her baby to arrive. A few days spent with Fitz while he recovers finds her growing attached to the strong, troubled, caring former marine.
Fitz is struggling with his guilt, pain, and feelings of unworthiness. Being rescued by Clara, with all her spunk and goodness, makes him dream of something more. But he’s not sure that he can be the man she deserves.
While there was a bit of insta-love, I really enjoyed watching the two of them fall in love. It’s well-paced, with enjoyable characters, and smoothly leads from their first meeting, thru their potential issues, and straight to a satisfying HEA. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Russell has in store for the rest of the Fitzhugh family.
(I’m giving this one 4+ stars because I really enjoyed the characters and their journey but I wasn’t all that happy with the intrigue side of things. I didn’t feel like it was needed and it left me with more questions than answers. Just a warning in case that kind of thing might be a deal breaker.)
*****
Author Info:
Aurora is originally from the frozen tundra of the upper-Midwest (ok, not frozen all the time!) but now loves living in New England with her real-life hero/husband, two wonderfully silly sons, and one of the most extraordinary cats she has ever had the pleasure to meet. But she still goes back to the Midwest to visit, just never in January.
She doesnβt remember a time that she didnβt love to read, and has been writing stories since she learned how to hold a pencil. She has always liked the romantic scenes best in every book, story, and movie, so one day she decided to try her hand at writing her own romantic fiction, which changed her life in all the best ways.You can find out more about Aurora at her website here – https://aurorarussellauthor.wordpress.com/
Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, survived Waterloo, but can he survive the Season as Londonβs most eligible bachelor? Convinced his battle scars make him unlovable, and to escape Societyβs 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 moreβ¦
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 showΒ Strictly Dancing with CelebsΒ 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.
Sheβs certainlyΒ notΒ 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 Emilyβs reasons for abandoning her dancing passion means she understands the Hollywood wild child more than sheβd 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.Β
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.Β
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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 isnβt that story.
But this guy does look fantastic in flannel. And out of flannelβ¦
Finding true love with his one-and-only soul mate? Drew Ryanβs 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 heβs knocked on his assβliterallyβby a Christmas elf whoβs stealing a sleigh full of gifts and using his reindeer to commit the crime, he definitely doesnβt expect to fall head over heels.
This holiday couldnβt get any worse for Rory Robins.
First, her hair wasnβt supposed to turn green. Itβs not even Christmas green.
And the elf costume wasnβt supposed to be two sizes too small.
And her con-man father wasnβt supposed to show up and go all real-life-Grinch on her beloved new hometown.
And she definitely wasnβt 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. Sheβs 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 thingβ¦
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 π
*****
Author Info:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as sheβs been reading them. To date, sheβs written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as βtoe-curling,β βenchanting,β βsteamy,β and βfun.β 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 βshockedβ by the sex scenes in her books).
I always hoped Iβd see her again after she rocked my world last Christmas. I never thought sheβd have my baby in her arms.
I also didnβt see myself dressed as a deranged bear the first time I held my daughter, or even that Iβd have a daughter. Navy SEAL life isnβt great for fatherhood, but seeing Jessie with Joy hits me like a happy holiday thunderbolt.
Jessieβs not sure she trusts me, and who can blame her? Maybe if weβd swapped more than ten words before falling into bed that snowy night, we wouldnβt be strangers. But I canβt regret our fling, just like I canβt ditch a military career Iβve spent my whole life wanting.
But maybe thereβs something I want more. Jessie. A bond with our baby and heaps of happy, mixed-up holiday memories weβre 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.)
Itβs the perfect plan β until Hugh learns that his mother is on a ship bound for England to meet his βbelovedβ. He needs a solution fast, and when he collides with a mysterious beauty, he might just have found the answer to his prayers.
As the Merriwells descend upon Hughβs estate, the household is thrown into turmoil as everyone tries to keep their tangled stories straight. And with Hugh and Minervaβs romantic ruse turning into the real thing, is true love just one complication too many?
βFilled with fabulously British banter, wit, and heart, this delightful book is one of my must-read rom-coms of the yearβ
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.
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.
*Terms and ConditionsΒ βWorldwide entries welcome.Β Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.Β The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachelβs Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.Β Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winnersβ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachelβs Random Resources will delete the data.Β Β I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
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, sheβs ready to figure out her next steps. The trouble is, Cait lives in the shadows of a dark past, and she canβt afford complications that might cause her to lose the family sheβs only just foundβcomplications like blue-eyed boatbuilder Brant Remington, who is as open as she is guarded. If only the sexy charmer would take the hintβ¦
Brant is Caitβs opposite in every way, but heβs drawn to everything about the sexy newcomerβfrom the quiet strength that rivals the caution in her mossy-green eyes to her tough facade that he canβt wait to strip away.
As Brant works his magic, Caitβs walls come down. But as sweet as that feels, Cait knows how quickly good things can turn bad. Itβs 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 π )
*****
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. Melissaβs emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family orientedβperfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
After theyβve opened gifts, maybe heβll unwrap her heartβ¦
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 βhoneymoon.β But moonlit doggy walks, romantic fires, the glow of Christmas lightsβeverything is conspiring against their βjust friendsβ 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 itβs the majestic mountain vistas. Others vow thereβs magic in the hot springs. All agree, thereβs something special about the four-legged creatures at the Top Dog Dude Ranch that give guests a βnew leash on love.β
First book in the series:
Last-Chance Marriage Rescue (Top Dog Dude Ranch #1) by Catherine Mann
βTheyβre about to step into a parent trap of their twinsβ making!β
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 whoβd 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.
βNo worries, Riley assured her, as if reading her thoughts, those brown eyes of his wise and knowing. βThe ranch is family friendly and friend friendly, not just romance. And we are friends, Lucy. Youβre my best friend.β
βAnd youβre mine.β She sighed, sagging back onto her heels just as Pickles curled up to sleep beside her. βSo, say weβre discussing β just discussing β 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 thereβs missing workβ¦β
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 sheβd taken so much help from him in the past. Lucy clasped her wrist over where heβd rubbed with his thumbβ¦
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 Reviewerβs Choice Award, and the Booksellerβs Best Award. Sheβs also celebrated six RITA finals, an RT Reviewerβs Award finalist, three Maggie Award of Excellence finals and a Booksellerβs 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 didnβt 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 Cowboyβs Christmas Retreat. Three winners win a copy of Last Chance Marriage Rescue (Top Dog #1) with a PAW-tograph (autograph) from the authorβs dog Biscuit. β 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:
Whatβs 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 sheβs 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 thatβs 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.
Theyβre 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 sheβs been reading them. To date, sheβs written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as βtoe-curling,β βenchanting,β βsteamy,β and βfun.β 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 βshockedβ by the sex scenes in her books).
