Book Review – Someone Like Her

16 Thursday Apr 2015

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Book Review, K2 Team, Sandra Owens, Someone Like Her

Known to the K2 Special Services team as Romeo, ex-Navy SEAL Jake Buchanan may spend his downtime living up to his nickname, but there’s one woman who sets his heart racing like no one else can: Maria Kincaid. Unfortunately, his boss—her brother—has made it crystal clear that she’s off-limits. Jake doesn’t do commitment, while Maria is the type of woman who deserves a promise of forever. Yet Maria finds herself drawn to Jake, the man who stares at her with a desire she wishes he’d act on.

Still haunted by her horrific childhood, Maria goes searching for the father she’s never met—and stumbles into a nightmarish experience. With her life in grave danger, she reaches out to Jake, her brother’s second-in-command. Jake figures he can help Maria without giving in to temptation. But some things are easier said than done.

Jake is your typical Alpha male. He’s strong, daring and brave. But he also has issues with commitment and the whole lothario reputation isn’t winning him any favors with Maria’s brother. He’s always been drawn to her though and forced into close contact together to keep her out of danger is more than he can take.

I really like Maria. She’s uncertain of herself and her appeal but she’s still strong. She had a most unusual childhood but thanks to her brother she survived. And kinda thrived, although it takes her romance with Jake to really change things. But it is her relationship with her brother that really touched me – he was her rock for so long, but she’s good at taking him on when its necessary.

The illicit romance with the sibling of your friend always appeals to me but when one of the two is a kick-butt military guy I just can’t resist. There are so many complications that arise out of dating your friend’s sister, but when that friend knows 50 ways to kill you without leaving evidence – well, that makes it even more problematic 🙂

On top of the romance, we get a good deal of adventure and danger as well. Owens does a fantastic job of weaving the two and making them working together to give her readers a complex story.

Someone Like Her delivers suspense and edge of your seat moments, mixed with humor and heart-warming emotions. With bigger than life men and the women strong enough to love them, danger and laughter, steam and tears, and a good dose of HEA, The K2 Team series is a must read.

Book Review – Cupcakes and Crushes

15 Wednesday Apr 2015

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Book Review, Cupcakes and Crushes, Keri Ford, Turtle Pine series

Sometimes there is enough sweet to make up for the bitter.

Years ago, a broken heart sent Annie Cookie running from home, and she’s never looked back—until now. Her grandpa’s broken wrist means the family bakery is at risk of losing two big orders. Reluctantly, Annie returns to Turtle Pine to help out, only to discover it’s not just seven hundred cupcakes she has to bake, but also a wedding cake for the half-sister who stole her high-school sweetheart. Annie left town to get away from her sister. No way is she getting mixed up with her again. Once the cupcakes are done, she’s outta there.

Back in high school, Cade Revlin hid his crush on his brother’s girl, but when his brother dumped Annie for another Cookie sister, Annie slipped through his fingers and out of town. Now that she’s back, he’s determined to give her a reason to stay. He’s got one week to change her mind. Or she’ll be gone in a cloud of powdered sugar.

Warning: Contains small-town meddling, family drama and all the necessary ingredients for a second chance at love—if they have the guts to turn up the heat.

With Cupcakes and Crushes, Ford cooks up a wonderful book about letting go of the past in order to embrace the future. Annie finds that it is easier to avoid issues than face them but being back in town and seeing it through adult eyes makes her re-evaluate things. Plus the handsome, smart and sweet Cade gives her extra reasons to make peace with her past.

The story is short but the perfect warm weather read. And although it seems like Annie and Cade fall in love quickly, Ford makes it totally believable. I love them both and I was pulling for them from page one. They make such a fun and cute couple and it is fantastic watching them give in to their feelings.

Book Review – In His Corner

15 Wednesday Apr 2015

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Book Review, In His Corner, Vina Arno

We actually took a look at In His Corner last week HERE but I thought it would be a good idea to do it again because the delightful Cindy Fazzi (aka Vina Arno) has an ABSOLUTELY fabulous giveaway going on to celebrate her book’s release. Make sure you check it all out below!

Work Out

No sex for almost a year could kill a guy, but when you’re the boxer known as the Juggernaut, it’s the price you pay for turning pro. Tommy’s fully dedicated to his craft, until he meets the incredibly gorgeous Dr. Siena Carr. Now he’s looking forward to taking on this prim and proper lady in a wet and wild work-out…

Knock Out

Siena has seen many patients come through the ER, but none as sexy as Tommy Raines. With a nasty cut over his eye, she knows he needs stitches, but after he takes off his shirt, she needs some air. With rock-hard abs and taut biceps, it’s clear this man takes care of his body. And all Siena can think about is letting him take care of hers…

There’s an interesting mix of things going on in In His Corner. Siena is a little uptight and secure in her gilded life. She volunteers to help the less fortunate, works in an ER (but at an upscale hospital) and gives to charity, but she doesn’t really know how the other half lives. Then Tommy steps into her life … and gives it a good shake.

At the beginning, we see her fighting her attraction for him because of his more coarse nature – he’s nothing at all like she’s used to. Then once they are together those differences continue to cause issues. I think I’d like a glimpse of how they work things out longer term (because they are so different) but I really loved the ending and the realizations that they come to.

It is less a book about a fighter than it is about a high-class girl and a working-stiff, but the old plotline works for a reason. In the hands of a good author, like Arno, it makes for a fantastic read.

*****

Giveaway:

The grand prize includes this gorgeous wooden box of Siena (Italy), a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of “In His Corner,” and Italian cookies and chocolates.

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f229a489166/

Book Review – Worth the Wait

11 Saturday Apr 2015

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Book Review, Jamie Beck, Worth the Wait

Thirteen years ago, Vivi LeBrun was sketching a rooster and eating Oreos when she first met—and fell for—her friend’s brother, David St. James. Since then, her love for David has only intensified thanks to years of friendship with his family, who rescued her from a lonely, tumultuous childhood. As she travels to Block Island to vacation with the St. James siblings, Vivi daydreams about reuniting with David, hoping he’ll finally see her as his soul mate.

After his mother’s death, David distanced himself from his siblings, determined to hide a devastating family secret. Now, he’s brought a new girlfriend along to his homecoming—one who’s pushing for a serious commitment. The last thing he needs on his growing list of problems is his budding attraction to Vivi.

With tensions running high, David’s behavior triggers a series of events that might cost him the love he’s always taken for granted and Vivi the only real family she’s ever known.

I liked this group of people but there were definitely moments when I wanted to smack David. He’s the quintessential clueless male – more than a few times actually. He (and everyone else) is aware of how Vivi feels but he thinks that she’ll always be there, trailing after him. He’s contemplating marriage to his girlfriend but seems surprised that she’s picking up on that vibe and thinking long-term with him as well. He thinks that everything can go back to normal even after he momentarily gives in to his attraction to Vivi. Get the idea? He’s overall a good guy and he’s carrying a pretty big secret, so I can give him a pass on some things. But that doesn’t mean it is any less frustrating when he has a stupid guy moment 🙂

Vivi has so much energy to her that it is hard not to like her and you have to admire her tenacity for holding on so tight to her feelings for David, putting herself out there so blatantly. But my favorite part is how she finally learns to stand up for herself and consider her needs. She’s got a couple of bad relationships in her life but once she gets her wakeup call she starts looking at what’s best for her. It’s refreshing to see that kind of growth in a heroine.

David also has a brother and sister who come with their own set of problems. I’m definitely looking forward to more from Beck so they can get a shot at their own HEA. We get glimpses of their issues here so it’ll be interesting to get more details and see where they go from here.

Sometimes funny, sometimes raw, but always engaging, Worth the Wait is an emotional powerhouse and Beck is going on my list of authors to watch.

Book Review – Still the One

09 Thursday Apr 2015

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Animal Magnetism series, Book Review, Jill Shalvis, Still the One

Love is a dare in the sexy new romance by the award-winning New York Times bestselling author of the Animal Magnetism novels and the Lucky Harbor series…

Darcy Stone is game for anything except sexy Navy vet and physical therapist AJ Colten, the guy who’d rejected her when she’d needed him most. Now the shoe is on the other foot and he needs her to play nice and help him secure grants for his patients. Unfortunately Darcy can’t refuse. She needs the money to fund her passion project: rescuing S&R dogs and placing them with emotionally wounded soldiers.

AJ admits it Darcy is irresistible. But he’s already been battle-scarred by a strong-willed, vivacious, adventurous woman like Darcy, and he’s not making the same mistake twice until he and Darcy are forced to fake a relationship. Growing closer than they’d ever imagined possible, Darcy and AJ have to ask themselves: how much between them is pretend? What’s the real thing? And where does it go from here?

Shalvis is a genius at writing contemporary romances – one of the most popular authors around, she’s produced tons of fantastic love stories and I’m happy to report that Still the One is one of her best.

I really loved Darcy and AJ. They’ve been fighting an attraction for a while, but both have hangups that make it a no-go. Plus, AJ is close friends with Darcy’s siblings and there is a code about that … one of my favorite storylines 🙂

Darcy has a lot of gumption. A horrible accident left her with physical impairments, but thanks to AJ’s treatment (and her own stubborn nature) she’s doing very well. Unfortunately, thanks to her childhood, she’s got scars on the inside that rival those on the outside. AJ is one of THOSE guys – he’s gorgeous and built and strong (both in body and spirit). He’s also loving, giving and generous, combining to be an all-around hot package. But, of course, he’s got some internal scars of his own.

Stuck together by forces out of their control, and forced to fake a relationship thanks to Darcy’s big mouth, nature kinda takes over. Of course it isn’t smooth sailing – they still have those hangups, plus quite a few misunderstandings crop up. But it all leads to a very satisfying HEA (and plenty of material for more delicious stories).

Book Review – An April Bride

05 Sunday Apr 2015

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a Year of Weddings novella, An April Bride, Book Review, Lenora Worth

A charming wedding novella set in the spring. What will happen when love and wedding plans come together this April?

War changes everything . . . even their love.

Bride-to-be Stella Carson can’t wait to marry her longtime sweetheart Marshall Henderson. But Marshall has been away serving his country and has suffered a head wound. After being diagnosed with post-traumatic disorder, he has distanced himself from Stella, asking her not to visit him in the Washington, D.C. hospital. Marshall returns to Louisiana just four weeks before the wedding, but as the big day draws near, Stella wonders if the man she’s loved for most of her life has become someone else.

Can true love conquer all for Stella and Marshall? Even the tragedy of war?

I don’t know how I would handle the situation Stella finds herself in, but I can guarantee I wouldn’t do half as good of a job as she does. It’s a rough ride for both of them as Marsh and Stella learn to navigate a world where things aren’t the same as they were before he went to war. He’s struggling to find his place in the world and she’s trying to figure out if that place includes her. They have a lifetime of love behind them as well as their faith in God but it doesn’t make it easy.

An April Bride definitely will tug on your emotions. Both of them are strong and caring, trying so very hard to do the right thing, but just not knowing what that is. I found myself being pulled between the two because I had a great understanding of the struggles both of them are going thru and hoping that somehow it all works out. (Which you know it will because it is a love story but it’s touch and go until the end.)

I love these novellas – all of them I have read have been packed full of good things in just a handful of pages and I’ve been introduced to new authors, like Worth, who are definitely going on my list of go-to authors. She’s got that perfect mixture of emotion, faith and love, with a little humor thrown in to keep it real. I’ll definitely be looking at the rest of her booklist.

If you are looking for something that makes your cry and laugh and root for a happy ending, An April Bride is the perfect choice.

Book Review – Falling For a Santini

04 Saturday Apr 2015

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Book Review, Falling for a Santini, Melissa Schroeder, The Santinis series

A crush that turned into love.

Being the only girl in a family with five Santini brothers was never easy on Elena Santini. She always tried to be faster and smarter to make sure they always took her seriously. They were always trying to tell her what to do, and worse, who she could date. That’s why falling for her oldest brother’s best friend wasn’t smart especially when he treats her like a sister. That is, until she gets him alone in her apartment one night.

One night in Heaven.

NCIS agent Jethro Thomas, known to everyone as JT, has always played it smart. When his admiration turned to attraction a few years ago, he started avoiding Elena. A guy wasn’t supposed to have those kinds of thoughts about his best friend’s little sister. After returning from an undercover assignment, and about to go on another one, he can’t seem to resist the temptation. One night with her and he knows he’s lost, but he has a job to do.

A changed man.

JT returns from the assignment with a few more scars, both physical and emotional–but he survived for one reason. He’s ready to start a new life with Elena, but a dark cloud hangs over the new love. When small incidents evolve into near death accidents, JT realizes someone from his past is ready to destroy his happiness, even harm Elena to make him pay.

Here we have another series that I joined in progress but luckily another one where it didn’t matter – Schroeder does a fantastic job of keeping you up to date on the pertinent details without actually overloading you with extra story. I love her mix of romance and suspense – mostly romance here but just enough suspense to keep you on your toes.

Elena is a wonderfully self-assured woman who goes after what she wants – and what she wants is JT (poor man never stood a chance). She’s strong, thanks to a houseful of brothers, and smart. She’s also loyal and sassy and a perfect match for JT. Unfortunately she’s also his best friend’s little sister so he’s been keeping his hands to himself … now she’s tired of waiting for him 🙂 JT is also strong and caring and has been fighting for a long time to hide his attraction to Elena. When she decides enough is enough, he can’t resist.

My only complaint is with the blurb. It makes a big deal about how JT comes back changed but it isn’t quite the way that the book makes it seem … or at least Schroeder didn’t play it out that way. They pretty much pick up where they left off, only with some time to realize how much they mean to each other. I think that if that part had been left out and it just went straight to the danger that comes from JT’s past then it would have made a little more sense. In the context of the story, the plot flows very well and it is engrossing. But if you are going off the cover then it doesn’t quite match up.

The best part though is the Santinis themselves. This rather large group of people is fantastic – they are funny and sassy and nosey and loving. They are right in each other’s business but they do it with a HUGE heart. I love the idea of a series surrounding this family and I’m definitely going to have to find some of the other books. I’m already looking forward to seeing Elena’s brother (and JT’s best friend) Anthony meets his match, especially after the hard time he gives them when he finds out about their relationship!

With a huge dose of humor, quite a bit of heat, a lot of heart and just that magic touch of danger, Falling for a Santini is a hit on so many levels. If you’ve never read one of Schroeder’s books, pick this one up and give it a try. You’ll be looking for more as well.

Spotlight – Contemporary Romances from Kensington/Lyrical Press

03 Friday Apr 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review

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A Taste of Sauvignon, Annabeth Albert, Baked Fresh, Book Review, Cindy Fazzi, Heather Heyford, In His Corner, Men Like This, Roxanne Smith, Second Chances, Stacy Finz, Vina Arno

I’ve only read one of these books (and my review is below), but they all look fantastic. With enough variety that you are sure to find something that appeals to you.

*****

In His Corner

by Vina Arno

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle

Blurb:

Work Out

Knock Out

For More Information

In His Corner is available at Amazon.

Review:

In His Corner is the only one of today’s books that I’ve read – I just finished it and I have to say I thought it was great! There’s an interesting mix of things going on. Siena is a little uptight and secure in her gilded life. She volunteers to help the less fortunate, works in an ER (but at an upscale hospital) and gives to charity, but she doesn’t really know how the other half lives. Then Tommy steps into her life … and gives it a good shake. At the beginning, we see her fighting her attraction for him because of his more coarse nature – he’s nothing at all like she’s used to. Then once they are together those differences continue to cause issues. I think I’d like a glimpse of how they work things out longer term (because they are so different) but I really loved the ending and the realizations that they come to. It is less a book about a fighter than it is about a high-class girl and a working-stiff, but the old plotline works for a reason. In the hands of a good author, like Arno, it makes for a fantastic read.

Author Info:

Cindy Fazzi was born and raised in the Philippines. She has worked as a journalist in the Philippines, Taiwan, and the United States. Her two decades of experience as a news reporter, writer, and editor includes working for the Associated Press.

Her first romance novella, In His Corner, written under the pen name Vina Arno, was published by Lyrical Press, an imprint of Kensington Publishing. It’s scheduled for release on April 14, 2015.

Her short stories have been published in Snake Nation Review, Copperfield Review, and SN Review. She’s the author of a series of four nonfiction children’s books about the Philippines, Peru, Pakistan, and Ireland, published in 2005 by the Rosen Publishing Group. The books were part of a series called A Kid’s Guide to Drawing the Countries of the World.

She has a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Ateneo de Manila University and a master’s degree in journalism from Ohio State University. She lives in picturesque Utah with her husband, Vincent, and their daughter, Nina.

For More Information

Visit Vina’s website.

Connect with Vina on Facebook

*****

Baked Fresh

by Annabeth Albert

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle

From its famous coffee to the mouthwatering fare at its cafés, restaurants, and bakeries, Portland, Oregon, has a lot to whet the appetite, including the hard-working men who serve it all up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…

Vic Degrassi is a baker on the rise, and it’s all thanks to his rare ability to make—and keep—his New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s losing weight, giving up smoking, or graduating from culinary school, Vic goes after what he wants—and gets it. This year? He wants Robin Dawson, the sweet-hearted hottie who volunteers with him at the local homeless shelter. When he learns that Robin is suddenly single after being unceremoniously dumped, Vic is more than happy to offer a shoulder to cry on—or at least a fresh-baked pastry to bite into. But it’s been a long time since Vic’s gone on a date, and he’s nervous about risking his friendship with Robin. So when their flirtation turns into a steamy night together, Vic and Robin have to figure out if they’re friends with benefits or lovers in the making, and if Robin is ready for something more than just a rebound. There’s only one way to find out: turn up the heat…

For More Information

Baked Fresh is available at Amazon.

Author Info:

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

For More Information

Visit Annabeth’s website.

*****

Second Chances

by Stacy Finz

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle

Nugget, California, is a spot-in-the-road that’s easy to miss. But this little mountain town knows how to give the struggling and discouraged many paths back to happiness—and love…

Reporter Harlee Roberts is used to finding the story, not living it. Unfortunately, losing her dream job and glittering city life means she needs a serious rewrite. Downtime at her parents’ cabin in Nugget is a break she could really use. But the less her rugged woodworker neighbor has to say to her, the more Harlee’s natural curiosity is piqued, and the more she wants exclusive access—to his heart…

Nugget’s open spaces and mountain quiet are the perfect refuge for Colin Burke. All he wants is solitude, to mind his own business—and for Harlee to mind hers. Still, her live-wire personality and take-no-prisoners commitment to those she cares about are a temptation pulling him way too close. Is their connection strong enough to survive his secrets—and risk a future together?

For More Information

Second Chances is available at Amazon.

Author Info:

Stacy Finz is an award-winning journalist. After more than seventeen years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns for the San Francisco Chronicle, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. In 2012 she won the Daphne du Maurier Award for unpublished single-title mystery/suspense. She lives in Berkeley, California with her husband.

For More Information

Visit Stacy’s website

Connect with Stacy on Twitter and Facebook

*****

A Taste of Sauvignon

by Heather Heyford

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle

Join Heather Heyford as she returns to Napa for a third taste in her series following three wine heiresses, each as vibrant and unique as the grapes for which they were named…

Sauvignon St. Pierre has always been fiercely ambitious. She easily could’ve cashed in on her family’s fortune, but instead, she struck out on her own, breezed through law school, and landed a job at a small firm in Napa. Savvy’s life is as tidy and straightforward as her sizable collection of little black dresses, and she likes it that way—but every now and then, she can’t help but long for her first sip of love…

After a chance encounter with Esteban Morales, the caliente son of Papa St. Pierre’s long-time rival, something inside Savvy wakes up. It could be that Esteban’s interest in cultivating lavender appeals to her passion for perfumery. But there’s something else about the charming but down-to-earth farmer that she simply can’t resist. They both know their families are an unlikely pairing, but together, Savvy and Esteban just may be the ideal varietals for a perfect blend…

For More Information

A Taste of Sauvignon is available at Amazon.

Author Info:

Born in the Northeast, Heather Heyford learned to walk and talk in Texas, and then moved to England. (“Ya’ll want some scones?”) While in Europe, Heather was forced by her cruel parents to spend Saturdays in the leopard vinyl back seat of their Peugeot, motoring from one medieval pile to the next for the lame purpose of ‘learning something.’ What she soon learned was how to allay the boredom by stashing a Cosmo under the seat. Now a recovering teacher, Heather writes love stories, feeds hardboiled eggs to suburban foxes, and makes art in the Mid-Atlantic. She is represented by the Nancy Yost Literary Agency (NYLA, @nyliterary) in New York City. The first book in her Napa Wine Heiresses Series from Kensington Publishing, A Taste of Chardonnay, is now available in print and ebook on Amazon and B&N!

For More Information

Visit Heather’s website

Connect with Heather on Facebook

*****

Men Like This

by Roxanne Smith

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre: Romance

Format: Kindle

Can she trust a man who pretends for a living?

Horror author Quinn Buzzly knows all about the dark side, but when she meets actor Jack Decker, she’s moved to explore something completely different—at least on paper. With his sexy good looks, intriguing manner, and charming Irish-tinged English accent, Jack is the perfect model for her next hero. Quinn decides to spend one year in London writing a historical romance inspired by him. Until real life butts in…

Jack’s jealous ex-fiancée sparks a media storm when she accuses him and Quinn of having an affair. But Jack knows how to play this game. At his insistence, Quinn agrees to go along with the faux romance until the chatter subsides. Then they’ll stage a quiet breakup and go their separate ways. Yet Jack is a shameless—and irresistibly convincing—flirt, and Quinn has to remind herself it’s an act. Or is it? If Jack means business, he’ll have to find the words to convince a wordsmith that their love is the real thing…

For More Information

Men Like This is available at Amazon.

Author Info:

Men Like This, is my debut novel, the first story in a series of three I’ve decided to call Long Shot Romance–long odds and stubborn hearts make love a thing to fight for. I’ve always loved characters who surprise me and make me laugh, with just a tad of the dramatic tossed in, and I hope that’s something I’ve been able to do for my readers. So much of what inspires me comes from the unexpected; the fork in the road you might trip over. Life takes funny turns and there’s not much you can do but hang on.

Most of us pick up a pen with the understanding that the odds are against us. It’s a dream. I decided in my early twenties to take writing seriously and try. With trying came falling flat on my face more times than I can count, but there’s always something to be gained from effort, and I took that and ran with it like I was a wide receiver gunning for the end zone at the bottom of the fourth on Superbowl Sunday. Lots of revising, rewriting, and tears between then and now, and a whole stack of friends and family at my back.

I’m a mom and wife before I’m an author, which is just as well. You can’t leave the little people behind once you’ve ascended to greatness. Remember where you came from. My kids are my two favorite people. They’re weird and hilarious. They’re at that age where they’re forming into something unique and apart from everyone else. They’re developing self. It’s probably one of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced as a parent so far, right up there with teaching them bathroom independence. A teen parent twice over, I’ve done just as much growing as they have in the last decade, and I’ve done it with the perfect partner–married 11 years and still arguing over who gets to drive the hypothetical Corvette.

For More Information

Visit Roxanne’s website

Connect with Roxanne on Facebook and Twitter

*****

Tour Info:

April 3

Books featured at Romantic Reads and Such

April 7

Books featured at Review From Here

April 8

Books featured at Literal Exposure

April 10

Books featured at The Book Refuge

April 13

In His Corner reviewed at Book Freak

April 14

Books featured at The Literary Nook

April 15

In His Corner reviewed and all books featured at Romance for Every World

April 16

Books featured at First Page to the Last

April 17

Books featured at The Dark Phantom

April 20

Roxanne Smith interviewed at Chosen By You Book Club

April 21

Books featured at Bent Over Bookwords

April 22

Books featured at I’m Shelf-ish

April 23

Books featured at The Revolving Bookshelf

April 24

Men Like This reviewed at Margay Leah Justice

April 27

Men Like This, Second Chances and A Taste of Sauvignon reviewed at Written Love

April 28

Books featured at Voodoo Princess

April 29

Books featured at Confessions of a Reader

April 30

Books featured at Lover of Literature

*****

Book Review – This Heart of Mine

01 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Brenda Novak, This Heart of Mine, Whiskey Creek series

First love. Second chance?

As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him—especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next.

Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob’s father isn’t exactly welcoming.

Riley doesn’t trust Phoenix, doesn’t want her in Jacob’s life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he’s about to find both!

I have not been afraid to share how much I love Novak’s Whisky Creek series – When Lightning Strikes, When Snow Falls, When Summer Comes, Home to Whiskey Creek, Take Me Home for Christmas, and Come Home to Me. And This Heart of Mine is no different. Every single book I’m drawn to her characters, connecting with them emotionally and taking them in like old friends. And the plots are absolute page-turners – I find myself glued to my e-reader and tuning out the rest of the world for hours on end.

Understandably, Phoenix is afraid of getting on Riley’s bad side. He controls access to her son and years ago he crushed her heart. Coming out of prison, she’s strong but hesitant to do anything that would impact her chances to finally be a mother to Jake. I’ve got to think that being in jail, and all of the things that happened to her, would have made her a harder person, but she’s absolutely amazing.

And that is what causes Riley to be conflicted – I will say that I’m a little surprised at how quickly Novak had Riley change his mind about Phoenix. He’s spent almost two decades thinking that she was an awful person, who killed another girl. I think I would have liked just a little more conflict on his side but I do like that he was willing to look beyond her history to the person beneath. He’s a good man, a good father, and a good friend. Hard-working, intelligent and caring, he’s great hero material.

Unlike most of the stories, we spend most of the time focusing on the Stinson group, but we do get a little bit of the rest of the friends and quite a decent amount of Kyle. The closeness of this group has been one of my favorite things about this series and although I missed the others a little, I did love the extra bit of Kyle. I can’t wait to see what Novak has in store for him – I really hope he finally gets his girl in the next story!

I think the mark of a fantastic writer is making readers feel deeply for the characters – and I absolutely ached for Phoenix. She lost so many years, not only in jail but in getting to know Jake. This Heart of Mine is definitely emotion-packed and my own heart broke a time or two. Full of tears and laughter, friends and family, the little town of Whiskey Creek provides a fantastic read every single time.

Book Review – Bringing Home the Bad Boy

27 Friday Mar 2015

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Bringing Home the Bad Boy, Jessica Lemmon, Second Chance series

The Bad Boy Is Back

Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what’s worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend’s memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can’t stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan’s mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they’re brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . .

Bringing Home the Bad Boy is a very emotional start to Lemmon’s newest series. I love the idea of these three “bad boys” all grown up. Who doesn’t like a reformed rake, right? (Evan is related to characters from her Love in the Balance series, but as far as I can tell, since I didn’t read those books, this one can stand on its own. I’m sure his history makes an appearance but Lemmon does a great job of keeping readers current with the new series.)

I was very impressed with how Lemmon handled this story. There were so many ways that this could go but I really enjoyed the fact that in the end it was just Charlotte who needed to get past the fact that Evan was married to her best friend. It’s been years and he’s done his grieving, accepting the things that cannot change and that life moves on. It’s not been easy and he knows that to fully heal he has to make a new life for himself.

Charlotte’s difficulty is complicated by the fact that long ago, before Evan and Rae got together, she had a thing for him. She got past those feelings when it was obvious that Evan and Rae belonged together but it just gives added depth to her current guilt. Evan is willing to help her come to terms with the change in their relationship but it’s a step she’s going to have to be willing to take.

With a sexy single father, who is doing a fantastic job raising an absolutely adorable kid, and a fun-loving but hesitant “Aunt Charlie”, Lemmon delivers a can’t-miss emotional read. With a devilish twinkle in his eye and a smirk to his smile, Evan will become your new fictional boyfriend. Although he may have some competition from the other bad boys, Asher and Donovan – I can’t wait to see what comes next in the Second Chance series.