Book Review – Everybody Knows

20 Friday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

Tags

Book Review, Everybody Knows, Jacie Floyd, The Sunnyside Series

Everybody Knows

The Sunnyside Series #1

by Jacie Floyd

THE FAST LANE WAS GOING NO WHERE…Despite growing up the glitzy world of fashion models and rock stars, that lifestyle holds no appeal for librarian Harper Simmons. She craves small-town normalcy and a place to call home. With a philanthropic grant in hand, Harper sets out for Sunnyside, IL, eager to reopen the town library. But the locals aren’t very welcoming to the woman in designer clothes—once again showing her she doesn’t fit in.

GROWING UP IN A SMALL TOWN…Wasn’t all it was cracked up to be for Dr. Zach Novak. Yes, Sunnyside had given him security and self-confidence—but now he’s smothered by their constant scrutiny and inevitable matchmaking. Longing to view the world from a less-restrictive stage, he’s making plans to head out of town…until he meets the enchanting new librarian.

WHEN TWO WORLDS COLLIDE…There’s bound to be trouble. Harper and Zach’s physical and emotional connection has them steaming up the nights with a secret affair. When Zach leaves on a humanitarian mission, their relationship becomes public knowledge and Harper is blamed for driving him away. Allegations about her past further alienate the town, and she questions her desire to remain where she isn’t wanted. Even if Zach returns to Sunnyside, will he be lost to her forever?

It’s fantastic fun being there while Zach and Harper fall in love. The great part is that it took half the book before they hooked up so that allowed for plenty of time for them to get to know each other better (and for us as well).

Zach has good guy syndrome. He feels like he owes the town and does all he can to be everything to everybody, regardless of what it costs him. But he’s getting close to getting out of town, too bad Harper comes into his life at the wrong time. She’s sassy, caring, and tries hard to win over the town (but of course they don’t cooperate all that much). And while Harper might be a fish out of water in Sunnyside, she’s got such a positive outlook on life that she can’t be bowed for long. And spending time with Zach is enough to brighten anyone’s day – of course she finds him as wonderful as everyone else does. He’s strong, compassionate, diplomatic, and has a solid head on his shoulders. Unfortunately he’s so perfect that every woman is looking to get him hitched so he does everything he can to ignore his attraction to Harper … yeah, that goes as well as you’d expect 🙂

My only complaint is that I would have loved to see a little more development between Harper and her step-dad. They don’t have a bad relationship but she hasn’t embraced him as he appears to want, not until the end anyway. A little more attention could have made that moment even more heartwarming. I’m hoping that we get more of Harper’s sister in a future book and that maybe that means more of her mom and step-dad as well. Plus there are some interesting side characters that add a little extra oomph to this story and who are sure to be delightful if they get their own book.

As the first story in a new series, Everybody Knows is a great introduction to Sunnyside. And while not all of the residents are appealing, there is great promise to what they could be and I can’t wait to see if Floyd delivers on it.

Book Review – The Purest Hook

19 Thursday May 2016

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Scarlett Cole, Second Circle Tattoos series, The Purest Hook

Can heavy metal rock God, Dred, put his turbulent upbringing in a Toronto group home behind him long enough to fall in love and save Pix from her past? Find out in THE PUREST HOOK by RITA nominee, Scarlett Cole and St. Martin’s Press. Fans of Laura Kaye’s Hard Ink series or Kylie Scott’s Stage Dive books will fall in love with the tattooed heroes of the Second Circle Tattoos!

*****

The Purest Hook

by Scarlett Cole

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

Release Date: May 3rd, 2016

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Blurb:

Can a love built on secrets survive?

Rugged, hot, and rock hard, Dred Zander is exactly the type of man that normally sends Pixie running. Not dreaming about running her hands down his washboard abs…and lower. The lead singer and guitarist for the band Preload embodies trouble behind his quick smile and guarded eyes, and Pixie left trouble behind her years ago along with the name Sarah Jane Travers and the pathetic trailer her mom called home. With her abusive past in her past, she has a new life, a new family at Second Circle, and a dream of opening her own business. She needs capital and time. What she doesn’t need is a tempting long-haired rocker or the paparazzi that follow him around.

But Dred has other ideas. Pixie’s sweet hazel eyes, purple hair and kaleidoscopic tattoo of exotic flowers that swirl up her arm haunt his dreams, and he knows she wants him too. He just has to convince her. But as a juicy exposé threatens to expose their pasts, and a blackmailer terrorizes their present, Pixie and Dred have to decide what really matters and fight like hell to keep it.

Available at: Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | B&N

*****

Excerpt:

Pyrotechnics went off all the way around the stage as the crowd screamed and cheered. He hugged each of the guys, then ran off the stage to pull Pixie from Harper and Drea. The break between the end of the act and the encore was approximately four minutes, and he had plans to use them wisely.

Pixie looked at him, her eyes wide in shock as he grabbed her hand.

“Quick,” he said to her, tugging her down the stage steps. There was no way he could make it back to his dressing room in time, so he hurried them along the black curtain that surrounded the stage into a darkened corner. He pushed her gently against the wall, trapping her in his arms.

“Watching you watch me, Pix . . . drove me crazy. You going to let me kiss you?” he begged. “Please.”

Pixie looked at him and put a hand against his cheek. “Yes.”

He slid both hands into her hair and pressed his mouth against hers. Energized from the performance, Dred struggled to rein in the need to kiss her fiercely. When he heard her groan, felt her lift up on her toes to loop her arms around his neck, he was done for. She was more than he’d dreamed of, and he’d dreamed a hell of a fucking lot. And yet none of his half-asleep fantasies could match the emotions currently blazing through him. Her tongue tentatively brushed against his so gently it was almost innocent. Well, as innocent as it could be when what he really wanted to do was take her against this black curtain.

It was fucking heaven.

He slid his hands down her body. Pixie giggled when he gripped her waist to pull her close. Ticklish. He’d have to remember that.

Not that he wanted to, but he needed to get back onstage. Fucking encore. He kissed her one more time, tasted the whiskey he’d given her earlier. The telltale thump of Lennon’s bass drum started to sound. He pulled back, willing his hard-on to take it down a notch before he got back onstage.

“That was quite the kiss,” Pixie said shyly.

He took her hand and led her back to the stage, positioning her right where she had been. It was impossible to resist kissing her again, and he grinned when Trent raised an eyebrow in his direction.

“Agreed. As beginnings go, Pix, it was pretty fucking epic,” he said with a wink, and walked back onto the stage to face the screaming fans.

*****

Review:

I love the idea that these two people, who have been damaged by their pasts, are able to use their terrible experiences to give them insight into each other, turning it all into something wonderfully positive. They both have hang-ups, things that make having a relationship extremely difficult, but when they get together it creates something magical.

Pixie lived through an absolutely devastating thing but managed to come out the other side, showing her strength and resilience. That’s not to say she doesn’t have her scars but lucky for her Dred is just the guy who has the understanding to help her work through them. And while I hurt for her, my heart also aches for what Dred went through growing up. I just want to cuddle the little boy that he was – alone, scared, and finding himself thrown into scary situations.

The relationship between the men of Preload, the way they support each other and will do just about anything to make sure that that each of them feels comfortable, is spectacular. They have an unshakable bond forged in heartache and tested to show that it will last. And it’s just a notch down on the awesome scale from the romance between him and Pixie 🙂 The way that he understands her and is willing to wait for her to be ready each step of the way is oh-so-sexy. Every time he calls her snowflake my heart sighs. I’m also ready to cuddle the grown up version of Dred but for an entirely different reason!

I will say my only complaint is how vague Cole is about the things that Dred’s boys experienced. I understand that she wants the big reveals to happen during their own books, but that is one of those things that irritates me when reading a book. I’m not the most patient of people and I think that might have something to do with it 🙂 – I want my answers and I want them now … I will give her props though because I am so very anxious to get my hands on the next book! And the next and the next!

As with the other books in this series, there is an element of danger and suspense. It’s a great complement to the more emotional moments, helping to pull readers in and have them anxiously turning pages to find out how it all works out. I feel bad for these people to have so many horrible things happen to them but they have the strength and support they need to come out happy on the other side.

Full of passion, humor and a massive amount of heartwarming goodness, this latest book in the Second Circle Tattoos series highlights how Scarlett Cole shines at creating can’t-put-down romances.

*****

Author Info:

Scarlett Cole is a writer of contemporary romance and a two-time RITA finalist. Her debut, THE STRONGEST STEEL, has already become an Amazon best seller in romantic suspense, was a Best Debut Goodreads Author Finalist 2015, and Authors On The Air Global Radio Network Contemporary Romance Pick of 2015.

When Scarlett isn’t writing, she spends her time reading, hoarding mason jars, and working out to off-set an epic sour candy habit. She likes hot men, cold beer, and expensive shoes.

Having travelled the world for work and fun, Scarlett is a citizen of both Britain and Canada. A true city-dweller, she considers Toronto and Manchester home and likes to set her books in vibrant locations such as Miami and Los Angeles.

Rep’d by Beth Phelan at The Bent Agency, and published by St. Martin’s Press.

She’d love to hear from you on twitter @itsscarlettcole

Connect with Scarlett: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

*****

Giveaway:

Follow the tour and enter to win great prizes!

1 grand prize winner will receive a signed copy of The Strongest Steel (Second Circle Tattoos #1)

2 runner-ups will receive a $25 Amazon Giftcard!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29221/

*****

Visit all the blogs participating in the tour for reviews, excerpts, guest posts and more chances to win!

05/02/2016

The Lusty Literate

mignon mykel: reviews

05/03/2016

05/04/2016

Avid Reader Amy’s Reviews

Lisa’s Louisiana Home

05/05/2016

Wild Heart Reviews

Flame Resistant Undies Romance Reviews

MrsLeif’s Two Fangs About It

Two Girls with Books

Sleep Deprived Book Lovers

05/06/2016

Lisa’s Louisiana Home

Mary Gramlich (The Reading Reviewer)

Reese’s Review

Reviews From The Heart

05/09/2016

Life With Two Boys

Vera is Reading

05/10/2016

Swept Away By Romance

05/11/2016

Ramblings From This Chick

05/12/2016

The Book Disciple

Loves 2 Read Romance

Positively Book Crazy

My YA NA Book Obsession

05/13/2016

Nicole’s Book Musings

Lea’s Book Blog

Smitten with Reading blog

05/16/2016

Underneath The Covers

Amanda’s Book Nook for Mature Adults

Eskie Mama Reads

05/17/2016

iScream Books

Splashes Into Books

05/18/2016

U.S. – Brazil Book Review

Happily Ever Chapter

Book Reviews & More by Kathy

Alpha Book Club

Naughty Book Eden

05/19/2016

Ellesea Loves Reading

OMGReads

Romantic Reads and Such

My Favorite Things

Evermore Books

05/20/2016

Just Booked

The Phantom Paragrapher

Nice Ladies, Naughty Books

Tantos Livros Tão Pouco Tempo

Book Review – The Wedding Date

18 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Kelly Eadon, The Wedding Date

The Wedding Date

by Kelly Eadon

A LITTLE FAKE RELATIONSHIP NEVER HURT ANYONE . . .

Kate Massie has big dreams-they just haven’t worked out. Yet. In the meantime, she spends her days clerking for a judge and her nights fantasizing about her tall, dark, and sexy gym crush. So when she runs into him one night, she’s shocked to realize he was her shy, nerdy junior-prom date. But that isn’t where the surprises end . . .

James Abell needs a date to his sister’s wedding. So when Kate agrees, he’s relieved . . . until one little lie turns their wedding date into a full-blown fake relationship. Only it doesn’t feel fake-not the toe-curling kisses and definitely not the electricity. Neither of them is looking for something real . . . but they just might fall for their own little white lie.

This is another one of those times when I wished the couple would just talk to each other more, but I’m pleased to say Eadon handles it in a way that never made me want to smack either of them 🙂 Usually these things just frustrate me but she makes it work. There are little points of drama here and there throughout the story but nothing was ever too big.

Kate and James get together under false circumstances and jump straight into a pretend relationship so they skip a lot of the get-to-know-you steps. The crash course method of dating seems to work for them though (outside of that pesky sharing thoughts and feelings thing) … for the most part. But that’s where those small bits of drama comes in.

Because they skipped over the more traditional parts, there are things about both of them that would have come up but instead bites them on the behinds. With more time together and a trust built up between them, that’s where the good communications skills would have fixed it but without it there’s a bit of trouble. Plus everyone has baggage, it’s just that with the speed that things happen it seems heavier here 🙂 and Eadon does a great job of resolving everything smoothly.

A fun story of a backwards romance, The Wedding Date is entertaining and best of all not too frustrating. The couple has their issues but they come across as real and the resolution is smooth.

Book Review – The Bad Boy’s Baby

17 Tuesday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Cindi Madsen, Hope Springs series, The Bad Boy's Baby

The Bad Boy’s Baby

A Hope Springs Novel

by Cindi Madsen

There are certain words that have always described Cam Brantley: Town bad boy. Soldier. Protector. But never, ever dad. Until he returns home from his latest military tour to discover the girl he had one smoking-hot night with is now mom to the adorable two-year-old Zoey. Who has his eyes.

Plenty of words could describe Emma Walker these days. Mom, dutiful granddaughter, budding designer, the town’s golden child. But when her longtime crush Cam Brantley comes back to town, she knows the perfect word to describe herself: screwed.

Cam and Emma are both shocked to discover he truly wants Zoey in his life. But Cam’s not sure he’s ready to be a dad, and Emma can’t gamble her daughter on maybes. As the long-simmering heat between Cam and Emma reaches a boiling point, he’ll have to work past his demons in order to be the man both girls need.

I’ve read quite a few of Madsen’s books and loved every one of them – I’m not sure how I missed this series, but this is the first I’ve read (not that it caused me any issues). Although I do kinda wish I’d read Heath’s story because I think it would have helped with understanding some of Cam’s history with his dad, but otherwise this one stands alone really well.

Because of the way that Cam grew up, readers totally understand why he is anti-relationship … and why he reacts so strongly to the idea of having a daughter but not being involved with her. Watching him get a crash course in fatherhood is super sweet and helps ease him into the idea of a family. He’s still got concerns and fears but spending time with Emma & Zoe makes it super hard to resist them. And for us to resist him 🙂 Because a strong, Alpha, ex-military man falling in love with his precocious little girl? Absolutely darling!

Book Review – To Win Her Heart

13 Friday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Mackenzie Crowne, Players series, To Win Her Heart

We’ve seen this one already as a spotlight, but I finally had a chance to read it 🙂

To Win Her Heart

Book Three in the Players series

by Mackenzie Crowne

In order to protect her, they’ll both have to let their guards down…

Country music’s It Girl Jessi Tucker is fed up with her family’s stifling security measures. The threat of a dangerous stalker has gotten the men in her life—including her football star cousin, Tuck Tucker—monitoring her every move. To get the freedom she yearns for, Jessi hatches a plan to recruit Max Grayson, Tuck’s sexy brawler best friend, to play the role of her new boyfriend. But if her scheme works, will she be forced to hide her true romantic feelings for the sake of her independence? Or will she finally steal the heart of her dream man?…

Max has been pining for Jessi for years and would do anything to protect her, but a professional cage fighter with too many skeletons in his closet has no business being with one of America’s sweethearts. Yet while Max does his best to keep Jessi at arm’s length, the Tucker family persuades him to accept her offer.

Max believes he can keep Jessi safe from danger, but can he shelter her from his own dark secrets, the media’s unforgiving spotlight—and a mutual desire that’s harder to resist each day…

I knew I’d love this one because Crowne did such fabulous things with the first two books and I was so anxious to see what she would do for the oh-so-sexy Max 🙂 Even though he’s done extremely well for himself, Max still feels unworthy of Jessi for so many reasons – the way he grew up, the things he did surviving on the streets, their age difference, his relationship with her family. Jessi though sees the man he is now and is convinced that nothing he’s done can change how she feels about him. And now she’s got the perfect chance to make him see it too.

The Tuckers are a force unto themselves! Smart, funny, caring and stubborn, once they start something they don’t give up easily. And Jessi is going to need all of that to help her get through to Max. As the two spend time together he starts letting slip some of the reasons why he’s been fighting their attraction so hard and it’s heartbreaking, for her and for us.

Unfortunately Max can be just as set in his thinking as she is so he’s not going to go down without a fight. Convinced that he’s not good enough to be loved (completely missing how much his friends already love him and how they would do just about anything for him) Max has done everything he can to resist Jessi but close contact for too long pushes even him to the limit … and what a fabulous time that turns out to be 🙂

Interestingly enough the stalker part of it doesn’t play that big of a role, except to throw the two of them together and as a means to give them some alone time. I actually liked the way it is handled because it makes sense in the story but if you are looking for something more suspense-y I think you might be disappointed. Crowne definitely focuses on the romance part of it, delivering an emotional read full of ups & downs as the two fight for what they believe is right.

(Even though this is part of a series, you can start here … although, there’s a good chance you’ll be drawn in too and anxiously await whatever Crowne brings next!)

Book Review – Forever This Time

12 Thursday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Echo Lake series, Forever This Time, Maggie McGinnis

We saw the second book in this series here. Somehow I missed posting the review for this one but I finally got it posted 🙂

Forever This Time

An Echo Lake Novel

by Maggie McGinnis

Bestselling author Maggie McGinnis welcomes us to Echo Lake, Vermont, where love lost can be found again…

FIND YOUR JOY

Boston therapist Josie Kendrew is really good at mending everyone else’s broken heart-just not her own. When she rushes home to Echo Lake after her father’s stroke, Josie finds herself face-to-face with too many painful memories from the past, including the loss of her “little sister” and Ethan Miller, the boy she left behind. Ethan is now all man-and he has done wonders as CEO of Snowflake Village, the Kendrew family’s Christmas-themed amusement park, which charms year-round visitors from all around New England. Suddenly, Echo Lake holds more than ghosts from the past. It also holds the possibility of a second chance at love…

AND NEVER LET GO…

Ethan’s been picking up the pieces of the Kendrews’ shattered family for as long as he can remember. But doing good isn’t the same as being happy-and Ethan can’t deny that the sweet, smart girl he once adored has become a gorgeous woman he cannot resist. For both Josie and Ethan, it’s a time of love and promise, and of finding the dreams they thought they had lost…

There is a lot of emotion hidden in what could have easily been just another cutesy romance. The characters have a lot of conflicting emotions about Josie’s return – when she left suddenly all those years ago it caused a lot of hurt for a lot of people. It’s rarely easy to come back but with the baggage on all sides, it’s really hard for her. So while they may not have been ready at 18 to handle everything that life threw at them, both Josie and Ethan have done a lot of growing over the years and have worked to find a path that works for them. Now, as adults, they might be better able to forge a long-term relationship if they can just open up to the possibility.

A sweet story about coming home again, forgiving and moving on, Forever This Time is a great start to what is sure to be a wonderful series.

Book Review – Mayday

10 Tuesday May 2016

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Lovestruck Librarians series, Mayday, Olivia Dade

After this, I’m so ready to move to a small town to be their librarian … I can only hope I have such fantastic stories to tell 🙂

*****

Mayday

Lovestruck Librarians series

by Olivia Dade

Blurb:

Helen Murphy loves her supportive family, her close-knit circle of friends, and her part-time job at the library. What she doesn’t love: the fact that she’s a thirty-six-year-old near-virgin who lives in her parents’ house. Eager to move out and reclaim her independence at long last, she’s determined to get the library’s new Community Outreach Coordinator position. Even if that means working side-by-side with the one man she desperately wants to avoid—Niceville’s ambitious mayor Wes Ramirez, who happens to be her only previous lover, and the source of her greatest humiliation…

Wes needs to make up for his disastrous one-night—actually, make that one-hour—stand with deliciously nerdy librarian Helen. As they plan the city’s upcoming May Day celebrations together, he’ll try to prove he can do better, in bed and out. It may take every bit of his creativity and determination, but their budding romance has already gone down in flames once . . . and he’ll be damned if he’ll let Helen go a second time.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mayday-Lovestruck-Librarians-Book-2-ebook/dp/B013ZNGZW0

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mayday-olivia-dade/1122536585?ean=9781616509378

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Olivia_Dade_Mayday?id=Ld5fCgAAQBAJ

Books-A-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Mayday/Olivia-Dade/Q672234296?id=6300597355308

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mayday/id1039679614?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/mayday-17

The Kensington website: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/32306

*****

Excerpt:

“I see that the library sent a representative to discuss the history and symbolism of May Day, but I never got a message confirming the name,” Wes said. “So if anyone’s here from the library, please feel free to come to the front and make your presentation.”

That Helen rose from her seat didn’t come as a shock to him. Given her lack of willingness even to look his way, he didn’t think anything other than professional necessity would have driven her within fifty feet of him. She made her way to the front, her eyes focused on the podium rather than him. Only when she arrived and he failed to move out of her way did she raise her gaze.

“Excuse me, Mayor Ramirez,” she said, her voice firm.

He couldn’t locate a single iota of warmth in her tone. Certainly not the kind of heat he felt standing only inches away from her.

“Wes,” he said.

“Excuse me,” she repeated. “I need to get to the podium.”

He didn’t budge. “Please call me Wes, Helen.”

Now he could feel heat emanating from her, all right. But not the heat of affection or desire. No, the heat he sensed came from fiery rage.

Her soft lips firmed, and she flicked a dismissive glance at the microphone he was blocking with his body. Rather than pushing past him or calling him by his first name, she instead turned to face the crowd from where she stood. “Good evening!” she shouted. “I’m Helen Murphy, and I’m a part-time adult reference librarian at the Downtown Niceville Library!”

He turned away before she could see the grin he couldn’t stifle. What a firebrand. He was pretty sure if he read her mind right about now, he’d hear something along the lines of, Screw your microphone, Mayor Ramirez. And screw you too.

Once he had his face under control, he turned back to her. “Here,” he said, interrupting her introduction and moving away from the podium.

“Why don’t you use the microphone?”

“Thank you, Mayor Ramirez,” she said.

“You’re welcome, Helen,” he answered, and then took a seat directly in front of her.

*****

Review:

It’s going to sound like I didn’t like this book, but that is SO far from the truth 🙂 Dade delivers a sweet, small-town romance with great characters, entertaining interactions, and an easy-to-read voice.

A couple of things did bother me, though. I think that Helen’s expectations of her initial hookup with Wes are a little unrealistic. Luckily Dade has her recognize this and it helps to make her a little more normal. She seems to think that it is the start of something grand but she has a 5 minute conversation in a bar (with a man that doesn’t even know her name) and then they are off to bed. It is hurtful when things go sour so quickly but it isn’t all that unexpected. Wes does recognize that he messes up and tries to make up for it, but only after he’s got himself straightened out, which I think is admirable.

At that point, they are thrown together to work on a project and Wes wants to have another chance. Unfortunately for him, Helen is hurt and not willing to risk her heart again. Luckily for him, though, he’s able to charm her into trying to be friends. Here’s my other complaint – I really wish we’d been given a glimpse of their interactions during those 2 months. There are a few references but I feel like I missed out on something by not seeing that part. They develop a deepening relationship that we don’t get to experience and their interactions we do get are so much fun that I want even more. I want to be there for the funny stories and the charming moments, getting a chance to see them fall for each other.

Having said that, the rest of Mayday really made me happy. I like that Wes took his time to woo her, even if Helen didn’t realize that was what he was doing. I also like how real the characters felt – with insecurities and difficulties that made them even more human. We get their disastrous first encounter, followed by a not much better re-introduction, and then the struggle to figure out if they can make their lives somehow fit together. It’s totally a real life thing – two people who have feelings for each other but with their own hopes, dreams, & baggage. Is it possible to make them work or are they fated to part ways?

(Even though this is the third book in the series, this one can stand on its own … although, with a few hints here, I’m definitely curious what trouble the other librarians got into while falling in love.)

*****

Author Info:

Olivia Dade grew up an undeniable nerd, prone to ignoring the world around her as she read any book she could find. Her favorite stories, though, were always romances. As an adult, she earned an M.A. in American history and worked in a variety of jobs that required her to hide her bawdy interior under a demure exterior: Colonial Williamsburg interpreter, high school teacher, academic tutor, and (of course) librarian. Finally, though, she realized the call of the hussy could no longer be denied. So now she writes contemporary romantic comedy with plenty of sex, banter, and nerdery. When not writing, she cooks alongside her husband, dabbles in photography, and tries to hide her collection of throbbing-intensive romances from her curious daughter.

http://oliviadade.com/books/

*****

Giveaway:

ebook copy of Mayday

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e4be888272/

*****

Book Review – Doing It Over

09 Monday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Catherine Bybee, Doing It Over, Most Likely To series

EEEEE! I’m so excited about this one!

*****

Doing It Over

Most Likely To Series, Book One

Montlake Romance, Contemporary

April 19, 2016, First Edition

Paperback & Kindle

Blurb:

One small town. Three close friends. True love to last a lifetime.

Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Melanie Bartlett ended up anything but. The down-on-her-luck single mom wants a complete do-over—is that too much to ask? With her family long gone from River Bend, strong, independent Mel is as surprised as anyone to end up in the quaint small town she once called home. But with her friends, Jo and Zoe, by her side, and a comfortable room at Miss Gina’s quirky bed-and-breakfast, she just might have turned the corner on a new life.

Wyatt Gibson never liked the big city. River Bend suits the ruggedly handsome builder just fine. Wyatt knows he’s home, even if that means being charmed by the appearance of Melanie and her spunky, adorable daughter. Is Wyatt’s calm devotion—even amid a coming storm—enough to convince Mel she may have found a home to call her own, a family that never leaves, and a true love to last a lifetime?

Praise for Doing It Over

“The romance between fiercely independent Melanie and charming Wyatt heats up even as outsiders threaten to derail their newfound happiness. This novel will hook readers with its warm, inviting characters and the promise for similar future installments.” –Publishers Weekly

“This brand-new trilogy, Most Likely To, based on yearbook superlatives, kicks off with a novel that will encourage you to root for the incredibly likable Melanie. Her friends are hilarious and readers will swoon over Wyatt, who is charming and strong. Even Melanie’s daughter, Hope, is a hoot! This romance is jam-packed with animated characters, and Bybee displays her creative writing talent wonderfully.” –RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Doing-Over-Most-Likely-Book-ebook/dp/B0177XH2IK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1459454842&sr=8-1

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/doing-it-over-catherine-bybee/1122954977?ean=9781503950726

BAM: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Doing-Over/Catherine-Bybee/9781503950726?id=6464629525307

BOOK DEPOSITORY: http://www.bookdepository.com/Doing-it-Over-Catherine-Bybee/9781503950726?ref=grid-view

*****

Review:

Bybee’s The Weekday Brides series is one of my favorites and I was so excited when I found out she was starting a new one … and I’m ever more thrilled to find out she still has the magic touch!

Like The Weekday Brides, readers will get a fun & charming romance between the hero & heroine – tender moments, funny dialogue, and characters (both main & secondary) that you’ll fall for. And while there’s just the right amount of trouble, none of it is overly dramatic, couply issues. There was one moment where I was a little scared but I should have realized that Bybee wouldn’t do that to her readers. Instead she lets the romance develop naturally between Wyatt and Melanie, leaving any problems to be brought by outside forces.

We’re also given a little bit about Melanie’s friends, kinda like a preview for the next books, but not enough for it to overwhelm the main story. Outside of the main three friends the series is based on, we’re also given some entertaining side characters – Melanie’s spunky daughter, outrageous Ms Gina, Zoe’s sexy ex Luke, and Wyatt’s oh-so-awesome dad. Every time I turned the page I was so anxious to see what Bybee would bring next and I am SOOO looking forward to the rest of the series.

*****

Author Info:

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her two teenage sons in Southern California.

www.catherinebybe.com

catherinebybee@yahoo.com

catherinebybee.blogspot.com

facebook.com/AuthorCatherineBybee

twitter.com/catherinebybee

pinterest.com/catherinebybee

instagram.com/catherinebybee

*****

Giveaway:

1 Kindle Paperwhite and 2 $50 Gift Cards

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a8544f626/

*****

Book Review – Extreme Honor

06 Friday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Book Review, Extreme Honor, Piper J. Drake, The True Heroes Series

Extreme Honor

The True Heroes Series

by Piper J. Drake

HONOR, LOYALTY, LOVE

David Cruz is good at two things: war and training dogs. The ex-soldier’s toughest case is Atlas, a Belgian Malinois whose handler died in combat. Nobody at Hope’s Crossing kennel can break through the animal’s grief. That is, until dog whisperer Evelyn Jones walks into the facility . . . and into Atlas’s heart. David hates to admit that the curvy blonde’s mesmerizing effect isn’t limited to canines. But when Lyn’s work with Atlas puts her in danger, David will do anything to protect her.

Lyn realizes that David’s own battle scars make him uniquely qualified for his job as a trainer. Tough as nails yet gentle when it counts, he’s gotten closer to Atlas than anyone else—and he’s willing to put his hard-wired suspicion aside to let her do the same. But someone desperate enough to kill doesn’t want Lyn working with Atlas. Now only teamwork, trust, and courage can save two troubled hearts and the dog who loves them both . . .

You really have to like Alphas to get into David. He’s sexy in an in-charge kind of way. He’s military through and through, willing to take on the bad guys and kick some butt. It also tends to make him think he always knows best and to be the strong-silent-type.

Lyn grew up with a career military man for a stepfather and it’s left her with some issues. He’s not a caring man, hard and tough – his way or the highway kind of thing. She’s spent her whole life trying to prove something to him. Unfortunately that bleeds over into her first interactions with David. Luckily they quickly find a middle ground that works for them … and that over time develops into something more.

This one reminded me a lot of Lynn Rae Harris’s HOT series, where you get romance mixed with suspense but not a lot of lightheartedness. Which is fine – there are those kinds of books and then these kinds of books (and other kinds of books :)) but if you were expecting something with cutesy interactions you aren’t going to get it. Instead you get a strong hero, a heroine that can keep up with him, and a bit of intrigue to keep them guessing.

I will warn you now that while we get some answers, we don’t get them all so there is sure to be a continuation of the mystery in future stories. And I have to say that I’m glad this is the start of a series because I didn’t get all of the answers I needed about the guys running the Hope’s Crossing kennel. I can’t wait to get to know David’s friends better 🙂 And to find out more about the group who caused them a bunch of trouble here.

Book Review – A Wild Ride

05 Thursday May 2016

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

A Wild Ride, Book Review, Thompson & Sons, Vivian Arend

A Wild Ride

Thompson & Sons series

by Vivian Arend

He’s the golden boy with a secret past

When Nicole Adams abruptly cancels their secret fling, Troy Thompson is stunned. The sex between them is sizzling, but she’s ready to move on—find a reliable guy, settle down, pop out a few babies. The thought of Nic in another man’s arms is maddening. And while her agenda freaks him out, Troy knows there’s no one in town nearly good enough for her. No one, that is, except him.

She’s his redemption and his future

Nicole doesn’t regret her sexual romp with Troy, but when he insists on taking the next step with her—marriage and parenthood—she figures he’s out of his mind. Troy? Husband and daddy material? Oh, he’s sexy beyond belief, with the ability to melt her panties with a single command, but the man’s not known for being responsible. Trying for forever with Mr. Frivolous? Everyone thinks it’s a fool’s game.

Everyone except Troy, who’s determined to make Nicole see the real him under the shiny exterior.

I’ve only read one book in this series, One Sexy Ride, but I remember really enjoying it and loving the Thompson family. After reading Troy’s story I’m going to have to go read the entire series so that I can see him with the understanding of his character that we get here 🙂

Troy’s problem is that there is so much more to him than anyone recognizes and I find that kinda sad. He’s so in tuned to everyone around him but those same people miss so much about who he is and what he does for them. And unfortunately that includes Nicole. But that’s going to change with Troy’s full on attack once he decides they are perfect together.

I really enjoyed the fact that once again I get to enjoy a mostly drama free read. The troubles they experience are believable and realistic, and even better they handle them in a logical way. None of it is over the top or drags on too long. The conflict is pretty straight to the point – Nicole has to decide if she is willing to take a chance on Troy, regardless of what kind of reputation he has. It’s full of touching moments and wow-baby heat, with a sexy, cheeky hero and the heroine he’s set his mind on winning. We should all be so lucky!