Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts

Friday, August 3, 2018

Book Review: Betrothed to the Dragon

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Book Review - Betrothed to the Dragon - Katrina Roets
Cover Art
I like to pretend I’m just another immigrant trying make her way in New York City…but I’m not.

You may know of my family from stories of an older age. Across all nations, all cultures, my family was once worshipped as gods, cursed as demons and shunned as otherworldly creatures.

Reality? I am shen, but the worst kind of shen there is.

One who would rather pretend to be human than to rule them.

One with no magic.

One hunted by the immortal monster that killed my parents.

And now, I just discovered how grandma found us refuge in America, how she thought she could save me.

She betrothed me – to a dragon.

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When I first came across this book, I had no idea what a shen is. I'm still not 100% sure, but what I am sure of is that I read this book and I have opinions.

The Good:

This book is fast paced and easy to read. The characters are interesting, although it left me really wanting to know a lot more about all of them. There was just enough back story to keep it interesting, but not enough that I really felt as if I knew any of the characters by the end of the book. I did find the story premise to be incredibly interesting and I love the idea of magical creatures existing right in front of our eyes. 

The Bad:

I received an advanced reader copy which means that the book hasn't gone through it's final edits, but I do hope that the proofreader/editor fixes some of the mistakes that jumped out at me. Above I mentioned not really feeling as if I know the characters. It's not just the characters though. There are traditions and histories mentioned in passing that I would love to know a lot more about. I felt as if some things were simply skipped over and I'd like to see a bit more attention paid to important moments so that the reader realizes that they're important.

The Summary:

This book is a fun, fast read. I will warn you though that if reading about sex turns you off, this isn't the book for you. I found it to be a compelling blend of story and smut. The author made the two work well together and I'm looking forward to possibly checking out the second book in this series when it comes out in September.





I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Friday, June 29, 2018

Book Review: The Anti-Cinderella

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How many girls can say their first kiss was with a prince in the British royal family?

I was fourteen and he was sixteen, and yes, it was magical. But that kiss didn't exactly change my life. To tell you the truth, I didn't even think about it-or Nicky Windsor-for the next ten years . . . until fate, in the guise of my grandparents, brought us back together again.

Now everything has spun out of control. I'm ducking reporters and photographers when I try to leave home. My friends act as if I'm someone they don't know anymore. The whole world seems to be watching me, wanting to see some kind of modern Cinderella story.

But trust me, I'm no man's princess. I'm more comfortable in tennis shoes than in a tiara, more likely to rock a bucket than a ball gown, and more liable to fall on my face than to pull off a graceful wave.

The only thing that keeps me from running away and hiding is Nicky. He's all I've ever wanted in a man: hot, hunky and head-over-heels in love with me. I think I feel the same way. I think I want to be with him forever.

But the idea of life with the royal family terrifies me. Even if I have found my one and only, can I handle what comes after our happy ending?

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I've been a fan of Tawdra's for years though it's been ages since I've read one of her books. When this one became available, I just couldn't resist picking it up. After all, I'd make a terrible Cinderella myself.

The Good:

I love that Kyra is just a normal girl. She's bright, she's sweet, and she's real. In fact, all of the characters in this book were well written and well developed. By the end of the book, you felt as if you knew them well enough to know what they'd do. That's not a bad thing! It's like knowing your sister won't  wear lime green because she thinks it makes her look like a beach ball. The story moves along at a nice pace and if you aren't careful, it will keep you up far past your bedtime.

The Bad:

I'm trying to think of something, but it's tough. I guess I'll throw out the one thing that actually caused me to stop reading and think, "Really?" It's a little thing but Nicky didn't know what jammies were. Now, I have a lot of British friends and they'd know what I meant if I said I was going to put my jammies on. Plus, Nicky has spent time in the states so this shouldn't be a foreign term for him. 

The Summary:

If you got up at insane hours to watch the latest royal wedding, love real love stories, or are looking for a new sweet series, I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy The Anti-Cinderella. I know that it kept me up way too late and I'm going to need a nap very soon.





I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Friday, February 9, 2018

Book Review: Always For You

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Come back to Burton!

If you fell in love with this quirky Georgia town in THE ONE Trilogy, you'll want to return for this trilogy and catch up with your favorite characters...

Maureen Evans has had a crush on Smith Harrington since they were in college together. She always knew he didn’t see her as anything more than his best friend—just one of the guys—but that didn’t stop her from weaving sexy fantasies about him.

Now, after years of maintaining a long-distance friendship, Smith’s moving to Burton, Georgia, Maureen’s hometown, to become her partner at the veterinary clinic. After all this time, she should be able to handle working with him without getting hot and bothered.

Or maybe not.

The more determined Maureen is to maintain their just-friends bond, the more Smith seems intent on testing those boundaries. And when flirting crosses the line into something more, it ends in a night neither of them can forget.

When friendship is no longer enough, there’s always love.

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I have been a fan of Tawdra's for ages now though it's been a long time since I've had the opportunity to read any of her work. So, when her newsletter came out and mentioned that this gem was available for free on Amazon, I didn't hesitate to have it sent to my ancient Kindle!

I am so glad that I did. There is something just refreshingly real about her characters. Not to mention that having come from a small town myself, I've seen just the types of things mentioned in this book and it did make me long for the types of friendships that these characters have and are able to maintain.

This book was an easy read, like all of Tawdra's books are. If you're looking for deep, dark material, keep on moving. This is one of those tales that is perfect for a chilly winter's day under the blanket...or in my case, sitting in the car waiting for a kid to get out of his sax lesson.

Now, me being me, has to point out the flaws, tiny as they may be. A few times I noticed that some of the word orders were swapped. As someone who writes a lot, I know just how that happens. The brain gets too fast for the hands and then your proofreader's brain autocorrects it when they read it. It wasn't enough to pull me out of the story, but I did notice it. My only other complaint? I honestly have no idea which book in which series this is...The cover on my Kindle copy says Love in a Small Town - 4. The cover on Goodreads and the text there says Always Love #1 and Amazon says Love in a Small Town book 5. Now, it's entirely possible that the book is part of two series but there's no way it can be both book 4 and 5 in the same series! Like I said, minor issues and none of them take away from the story itself.





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Friday, February 17, 2017

Book Review: Before Him Comes Me

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Faced with an unexpected choice, a simple nod is all it will take to change the course of Zara's life.

Bound to a life predetermined by the restrictive traditions of her community, Zara is offered a glimmer of hope by a complete stranger, a man selected for her. She can choose to walk away from the life she has been trained for.

Make new friends and lose her best friend.
Explore new places and lose her home.
Find herself and lose herself.

Will Zara nod and risk everything she knows to discover who she is meant to be?

**Disclaimer**


Although this book is BDSM theme it is not an erotic/a genre. No Sex scenes invovled, BHCM is categorized as a NA Contemporary Romance Genre.

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Okie dokie...here's a new book for all of you! Let me start by saying that I included the disclaimer simply because the author chose to include it on her book synopsis. (Yes, including the misspelled word.) Do I agree with it? Sure. It doesn't include any sex scenes and I'm assuming that NA stands for New Adult so any adult themes are covered under that.  Now...let's get into the review!

The Good: The story line moved at a smooth pace and was interesting. As someone with some experience with BDSM, I found the idea of the cult that the author writes about intriguing. It wasn't entirely a new idea, but still an interesting one. I also appreciated that the author used "hometown" locations that she's familiar with. Living not too far away from that area, I may check out one or two that she mentioned. That brings me to the characters. I appreciated the fact that they were well thought out and developed. It's easy to overlook secondary characters and Ms. Sure did a good job of making sure that didn't happen.

The Bad: The book is written entirely in present tense which can make it incredibly difficult to read. There's a reason that few authors go this route and more than once I had to take a break while reading because of this. On top of that and perhaps because of it, some of the scenes read more like a play by play than narrative. First this person does this, then that person does that. I'm not going to lie...though the book held me until the end, more than once I thought that the author set about to write the "anti-50 Shades of Grey" book and that she herself didn't have much experience within the BDSM lifestyle. If that was her goal, she was entirely successful. This book does show what is in essence the anti-Christian and it does it well. Since I know y'all are waiting for it...yes, the author did use an editor and yes, she needs to find one who pays a bit closer attention to details. Maybe I'm just too picky but I've read too many books with amazing attention to detail and grammar to believe that not paying attention is the norm.

The Summary: For a first book, the author does a very good job at telling what is a very interesting story. If you'd like to read how a teenage girl "bucks the system" and changes her life, there's a very good chance that you could really like this story. Would I recommend this book? I would, but with the caveat that it's written in present tense and that you need to pay attention when you're reading it. For now, it's going onto my shelf and I'm going to keep my eyes open to see if the author goes back and tells the stories of the 3 other ladies who "bucked the system".  They were merely touched upon in this novel and I think they deserve their own telling.


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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Book Review: Last Chance Hero

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The inhabitants of Last Chance, New Mexico, could not be more pleased. Dr. Jessica McLeod has opened an office right on Main Street. Andy Ryan, the best athlete the little town ever produced, has ended his short career in the NFL and has come home to coach the mighty Pumas of Last Chance High. Unfortunately, Dr. Jess immediately gets off on the wrong foot when she admits that she's never seen a football game, isn't really interested in doing so, and, in fact, doesn't know a first down from a home run. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan is discovering that it's not easy to balance atop the pedestal the town has put him on. When this unlikely pair is drawn together over the future of a young player--whose gifts may lie in the laboratory rather than on the football field--they begin to wonder if they might have a future together as well.

With the flair that has made her Last Chance books a favorite among readers of contemporary fiction, Cathleen Armstrong draws on the passion Americans have for the traditions of small-town high school football.

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I'll be honest. I'd completely forgotten about this series of books. This sometimes happens as the mom of two boys who keep chaotic schedules. When I first started reading, I kept thinking that something seemed really familiar about the book and sure enough, I have read at least one of the other books in this series. In some ways, this made the book feel like coming home. I already knew most of the characters. I can't say that I always understood Jess' stubbornness, but I certainly know people like that so I did enjoy that she was another totally real character. I enjoyed her story with Andy and catching up with everyone else, but again I'm going to be honest. I didn't enjoy the ending. It seemed abrupt and that there were a lot of loose ends. Now, if there's going to be another book in this series, I'm okay with that. However, I did read that this is the last book in the series and it just doesn't feel concluded and that always leaves me feeling unsettled.

Still, if you enjoy every day life in a small town with some serious sports fanatics and love thrown into the mix...I can for sure recommend Last Chance Hero.
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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Friday, September 25, 2015

Book Review: The Mistress of Tall Acre

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The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.

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I've been slowly easing my way back into book reviews since life got so chaotic around here and I strongly believe that I made a good choice with this book! I loved the characters and the way that the author made everything feel so real. I was drawn into Sophie's life as if she were my best friend. I fell in love with little Lily Cate. Did I mention that there's a bit of mystery and intrigue involved? Honestly, I can't think of a single negative thing to say about this book. I loved the way that the romance aspect of this book didn't overtake the story, but worked alongside it to bring a well rounded book that had a bit of everything.

If you're a lover of historical romance, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to you. As a matter of fact, feel free to head on over to Amazon and pick it up right now. That way we can sit down and talk about it later!


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Friday, August 28, 2015

Book Review: In Tune With Love

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They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

April is willing to do anything for her sister’s wedding—until she comes face to face with a guy from her past.

April Quinn is thrilled to be her sister’s maid of honor, until the wedding coordinator quits and the responsibilities get dumped on her. It’s April’s worst nightmare—especially since her sister has more objections and opinions than a lawyer presenting a high-profile court case. When the wedding singer walks out at the last-minute, her sister hires a replacement. When April finds out who the replacement is, she’s ready to call it quits as well.
Because there’s only one person in April’s past that she never wanted to see again, and her sister just handed him a front row seat to the wedding.

Jack Vaughn finally has the career he’s always wanted. After playing in bars and singing in weddings as a struggling musician for half a decade, he’s just released his second album and sales are skyrocketing. But while visiting his parent’s Nashville home the weekend before his first headline tour, he runs into an old friend. When she asks him for a last-minute favor, he can’t bring himself to say no. Even though saying yes means he has to come face to face with April Quinn—the girl who hasn’t spoken to him in years.

And rightly so, since he stole something from her that he’ll never be able to repay.

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Just two weeks ago, you read about how much I love this series and now I'm back and telling you that this book was only middling for me. I felt as if the characters never truly matured. April also seemed unrealistically naive. Also, while the story was fun, it didn't feel inspiring (which is often the theme with these novellas) and it ended rather abruptly. Usually I walk away from these books with a smile, but this one I walked away just not feeling confident that Jack and April have any real chance for a forever type relationship.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Book Review: The Lost Garden

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Marin Ellis is in search of a new start after her father and his second wife die in a car accident, and at thirty-seven she is made guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-sister Rebecca. They leave Hampshire for the picturesque village of Goswell on the Cumbrian coast, and settle into Bower House on the edge of the village church property. When a door to a walled garden captures Rebecca’s interest, Marin becomes determined to open it and discover what is hidden beneath the bramble inside. She enlists the help of local gardener Joss Fowler, and together the three of them begin to uncover the garden’s secrets. In 1919, nineteen-year-old Eleanor Sanderson, daughter of Goswell’s vicar, is grieving the loss of her beloved brother Walter, who was killed just days before the Armistice was signed. Eleanor retreats into herself and her father starts to notice how unhappy she is. As spring arrives, he decides to hire someone to make a garden for Eleanor, and draw her out of - or at least distract her from - her grief and sorrow. Jack Taylor is in his early twenties, a Yorkshire man who has been doing odd jobs in the village, and when Eleanor’s father hires him to work on the vicarage gardens, a surprising - and unsuitable - friendship unfolds.

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It's been a long time since I've read a book that had me in tears more than once. There's just something about the author's writing style that tugged hard at my heart strings. I felt as if both Marin and Eleanor could have been my sisters, best friends, or even that they represented parts of myself. Both strong women whose lives had handed them hard times, still, they kept moving and I won't ruin the book for you, but just trust me when I say that once you get this book and open the front cover, you won't want to stop reading until you close the back cover. This is one book that will never be leaving my shelves to go onto the library free shelves. I somehow know that I will come back to this book time and time again, reliving those moments, purging those bottled up tears, and smiling at the sweet moments.

If you're looking for a book that will make you feel in all of the ways you can feel, The Lost Garden is one that you should be picking up. You're not going to regret it.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Book Review: Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

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If there’s one thing that Bridgette Reynolds has learned recently, it’s that the perfect shoes, the perfect hair, and the perfect dress do not make for the perfect proposal. In fact, sometimes they make for the not-so-perfect breakup.

Now, Bridgette must do everything in her power to win Adam back. She knows they are meant to be. And nothing will stand in her way—not her friends, not her grandmother, not even the fact that Adam is now engaged to Serene after a whirlwind romance.

Focused on her plan to win Adam back, Bridgette isn’t expecting Ian—her college best friend, her love, her big regret—to come back into her life. They sink back into their comfortable friendship as if no time has passed at all, making Bridgette start to question her feelings for Adam. But Ian has a few secrets of his own . . . secrets that could shatter their friendship once and for all.

Bridgette has to make some major decisions—should she speak now? Or forever hold her peace?

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Chick-Lit at its most enjoyable. I curled up yesterday with this book and didn't put my Kindle down until I'd read it right up til the end. I'm pretty sure that I laughed, sighed and nearly cried right along with Bridgette. Man, that girl had a lot going on and then an incredibly hard decision right at the end. I'm not going to spoil it for you, but I will say that it kept me turning pages. I had to know if she was going to end up with any of the men in her life! On top of that, the cast of secondary characters were so incredibly well written that I felt as if these were people that I really do know. They all have their flaws, but that's what makes them that much more real. Seriously, a great read and I'm so glad that it ended the way that it did.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Book Review: To Win Her Favor

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Can Maggie prove that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America? Find out in Tamera Alexander's To Win Her Favor. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

Celebrate the release of To Win Her Favor with a Kindle Fire and book giveaway!

to win her favor - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • A copy of To Win Her Favor
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 11th on Tamera's blog. Plus stay tuned for more opportunities to win after May 11 with a special Pinterest contest—more details coming soon!

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{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

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A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who can help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing for good.

An Irish-born son far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and start a farm, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he shouldn’t accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the annual Drayton Stakes at Nashville’s racetrack––the richest race run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance, and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder, Maggie’s father––aging, yet wily as ever––makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail––Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

Cullen and Maggie need each other in order to achieve their dreams. But their stubborn, wounded hearts––and the escalating violence from a "secret society" responsible for lynchings and midnight raids––may prove too much for even two determined souls.

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I don't believe that I've ever read any of Tamera Alexander's other books, but after reading this one, I'm going to have to go looking for them, I think. I very much enjoyed this one. What I also enjoyed was checking out some of the other reviews and when I did, I saw one thing repeated over and over again. People have given this book a one star rating due to the intimacy within this book and that puzzles me. Granted, I understand that not everyone is as open about this sort of thing as I am, but the fact that they gave such a negative review for something so natural is baffling to me. They mentioned that it would be a problem for girls and unmarried women to keep their thoughts pure after reading it. I'd like to point out that this book isn't marketed or written for girls or young adults. This is an adult book. Also, let's face it, even in good Christian homes, married couples are often intimate and to pretend otherwise is just silly.  Anyway, that's my soapbox for that. The book is very well written, the characters well thought out and I very much enjoyed it and will be looking for her other books.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Book Review: Never a Bridesmaid

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Meet the people who make it all happen – the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Can one bridesmaid undo the disasters caused by a poorly chosen maid of honor and save her sister’s wedding from disaster?

Mari’s older sister Crystal is getting married, and Mari is one of her bridesmaids – actually, the last in a lineup of five bridesmaids, but that doesn’t really bother her. Much. But Sienna Jameson as the maid of honor? Really? She might be Crystal’s best friend, but she’s ditzy and undependable on her best days. When the best man turns out to be hunky Derrick Richardson, the right fielder for the Houston Astros and one of Houston’s most eligible bachelors, Sienna abandons her duties as maid of honor to chase Derrick, and it’s up to Mari to make sure Crystal’s wedding day goes off without a hitch.

While Mari is wrapped up in dress fittings, bridal showers, and bachelorette nights, Derrick has taken notice of her devotion to her sister and her determination to make the wedding perfect. But between dodging Sienna’s advances and watching Mari running around like a madwoman, Derrick is left to steal moments whenever he can to get to know this beautiful bridesmaid.

When the maid of honor shows up to the ceremony late and more done up than the bride herself, Mari fears her attempts to make her sister’s wedding perfect have all been for naught. Will the bride be up-staged by the maid of honor? Will the fifth-in-line bridesmaid ever be recognized for all the work she’s done? And will Mari finally have a moment to revel in the magic of a wedding and dance in the strong arms of a man?

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Janice Thompson never fails to deliver when it comes to fun, humor and sweet romance. That is very much the case in the latest Year of Weddings novella. I loved the characters in this book, from sweet Mari to handsome Derrick and everyone in between. I feel like I absolutely gushed over this series last year and I'm doing it again this year, but I just can't help it. I'm a sucker for a well written romance and Janice Thompson has never let me down.

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Thursday, April 30, 2015

Book Review: Spring Brides

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Happily ever after begins today. The honor of your presence is requested at three spring weddings . . .

A March Bride by Rachel Hauck

Susanna Truitt (Once Upon a Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna s heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her.

An April Bride by Lenora Worth

Bride-to-be Stella Carson cannot wait another day to marry soldier Marshall Henderson. But when Marshall returns home to Louisiana, it becomes clear to them both that he is not the man he used to be.

With only weeks until the wedding, Stella and Marshall must choose between a marriage built on the past and faith in long-ago love or a very different future than the one Stella imagined.

A May Bride by Meg Moseley

Ellie Martin, a country girl living in Atlanta, has dreamed of a traditional wedding all her life, but she's missing a key ingredient to her plans for the future: a groom. Then Ellie meets Gray Whitby at a wedding of all places. But when Ellie jeopardizes her own future for the sake of her sister, Gray feels like he'll always be second to Ellie's family. Can Ellie and Gray find their own way together amidst the demands and perceptions of others, or will their romance end before it has truly begun?"

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These may seem familiar to you. That's because I reviewed these individually at this time last year! That's right, last year's year of wedding novellas have now been bundled up into four books! I don't have much to tell you that I didn't tell you last year except that even now, rereading them was a total joy and a great way to spend my time while recovering from a spring cold. I love that these are bundled up so those of us who read the digital editions can get the print editions for our shelves and all of the novellas will be right there at our fingertips!

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Book Review: Every Bride Needs a Groom

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Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in "Texas Bride" magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?
Janice Thompson designs a romance sure to delight, with plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, a hilarious supporting cast, and more of the wedding biz world her readers adore.

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Janice Thompson writes the sweetest love stories and Every Bride Needs a Groom is no exception. While the story itself was fairly predictable, I still enjoyed the characters and how every one of them had their own smaller story within the main story. Katie was sweet and honest to the bone, her family so incredibly small town that it was a bit like being back where I grew up, and those big city folks? Well, they're a whole bundle of fun all in themselves. The book moves at a quick pace, but not so quick that you feel as if you've been left behind. I especially appreciated the epilogue and how the book ended. I can't tell you why though. You're just going to have to read it yourself to find out.

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Book Review: Resisting Redemption

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This is the third book in a series where the plot points carry over. All plot points will be resolved by book FIVE - the end of the series.
This is a sweet style romance.

With her heart at war with her mind, Lisa’s need to chase dangerous fun over boring responsibilities tugs at her emotions. Love is the last thing she expects to find, especially with her past revolting against her future.

The only love Ryan’s heart has room for is for his motherless son. But, when he finds himself yearning for Lisa, Ryan has to convince himself and her that he’s all the thrill she’ll ever need.

Will Lisa’s past destroy their future before either of them can accept the true meaning of love?

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Let me start out by reminding everyone that this is the 3rd book in a 5 part series. Before you read this one, make sure you've read Romancing Redemption and Riding for Redemption. These are the first two books in the series and since this one picks up pretty much where they leave off, I think you'll thank me for it. Personally, I'm glad that we got to find out Lisa's story. It was good to see her softer side and not just the aloof personality that we had seen up until this point. Honestly, y'all know by now that I'm a big fan of Bonnie's. It can be quite a stretch to find something in one of her books that I don't care for and for this book, it's only me being unsure that Jesse (who was born with spina bifida) could walk unaided the way he does in this part of the tale. Since that's not even close to a deal breaker, I suggest you pick up Bonnie's latest because who doesn't need some good romance in their life?

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Monday, March 23, 2015

Book Review: An Event to Remember...or Forget

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Sienna Harris is a girl with a plan. Her days of slaving away at Carrie’s Classic Events and More are numbered as she is on the brink of launching her own event planning company. Her relationship with Luke Price is headed in the right direction and they are approaching their one-year mark. The future is looking bright and she knows that life could not get any better . . . That is until her perfectly planned world is thrown upside down by the unexpected arrival of someone from Luke’s past.

She receives the shock of her life on the night of the biggest event of her career. Sienna will now have to pull it all together without a list or a plan. The question is, can she do it?

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If you're looking for a sweet book to curl up with during these last lingering days between winter and spring, this could be the book you're looking for. With well rounded characters and a main one that will have you rooting for her before you know it, this book kept me turning page after page until I'd finished it. The ending is a bit of a surprise, but surprises aren't always bad things. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series because this one had me from start to finish.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Book Review: The Trouble with Patience

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Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with the restoration of a dilapidated boarding house in order to support herself. Despite her desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local sheriff with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: Patience needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse, and Jedediah needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But Patience gets more than she bargained for as she explores the depths of the "hanging lawman"--and finds both betrayal and love.




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Another book full of wonderful imagery, even when it's the imagery of just how tough it was to have lived in a time and place that was at times, anything but sunshine and roses. The characters weren't the type that I immediately fell in love with. In fact, it took me a bit to warm up to them. The story, however, pulled me in from the first page and didn't let me go until the last. I will say that the story did drag in parts, but not enough that it made me put it down or walk away from it. Did I mention that there's a mystery that needs solving? You know my weakness for mystery and romance...heck, if this was somehow a cookbook too, I'd never put it down!

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Book Review: Betting on Hope

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Saddle up for a new romance from novelist Debra Clopton, Betting on Hope! In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart’s desires.

Enter to win a Kindle Fire HD 6 to celebrate the release of Betting on Hope! 

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • A copy of Betting on Hope
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on Debra's blog.

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{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

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A bet gone wrong. A small town's meddling. And a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.

Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it's beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie's bosses know this is the opportunity she's been looking for to launch her career--and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he'd like, but he knows it's the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru's fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do--for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart's desires

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Just when I was in the mood for a sweet romance, Betting on Hope came along. Filled with characters that pull you right into their world, this was another one night read. Thank goodness that wrestling season is winding down so that I can catch up on some sleep on the weekends! This book is filled with not only wonderful primary characters, but secondary characters that sometimes steal the scene, but in the end, it all comes together. Debra Clopton is another author who rarely has anything more than a home run and this book isn't any different.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Thursday, February 12, 2015

Book Review: Riding for Redemption

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Desperate to find her place in the world, Sara Beth dreams of applying for the Miss Wrangler Montana competition that tours with the rodeo circuit.
Riding horses has become her anchor until a near fatal accident takes more from her than she’d ever willingly sacrifice.
Determined to prove his business training, Johnny seeks out the Rourke family to call in an old favor. When he embroils himself in Sara Beth’s life, he has to prove they’re nothing more than friends.
Seeking independence, both Sara Beth and Johnny lean on each other more and more, until love threatens their friendship. Will they seek out each other or be confused by their dreams?
Can either of them leave their past and embrace their future?

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Have you ever found an author that you're pretty sure can do no wrong? Bonnie R. Paulson might just be one of those authors for me. No matter which of her books I pick up, I find myself reading way too late into the night. Then, I find myself groggily attempting to be functional the next day with negative amounts of regret. With this book, it picks right up where Romancing Redemption leaves off, so make sure that you pick that one up first and give it a read! Then, dive right into this one and then right into the third book in the series. Trust me, if you love romance with well developed characters that just continue to grow, you're going to love this entire series.

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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Book Review: The Dandelion Field

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Get ready for Valentine's Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer's The Dandelion Field. The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn't believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning? 

Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • The Dandelion Field
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.

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{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

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This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that s compromised when Raine reveals she s pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: The baby is mine.

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

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Romance is always a weakness for me, no matter if it's real life or in a book. This book was a solid source of reality, romance, being caught between people and just trying to survive. The characters were not only solid, but they were real. They had real emotions and real reactions. As a parent, I read the parent/child interactions and wondered what my own relationship with my boys will be like in a few years. As a single mom who has been in a few bad places, I understood Gin's desire to grab a suitcase and run. As a person who has been there for others and somehow wound up in between people, I understood Dan's plight. I think everyone can find some part of a character and relate to it. The dialogue was wonderfully written and the story moved along at a pace that didn't feel rushed and it didn't drag. Overall, a wonderful book of courage, hope and love.


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Friday, February 6, 2015

Book Review: A Brush With Love

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They've helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

This hair stylist has adorned many a bride with the perfect bridal tresses. Now, she must overcome her past in order to realize that she, too, can find true love this January.







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Ahhh! It's back! You guys know I loved, loved, loved this series last year and I am so excited to see it back. Oddly enough, I'm reviewing it through a completely different outlet this time around, but I don't care! I love the fine folks that I get to work with and I love them even more since they brought this novella to my attention.

Now, looking at the book description above, I can imagine that you're all thinking something along the lines of, "But what is this book really about?"  I thought the same thing. It's about a girl..who meets a boy...hehe... Seriously, it's about this woman named Ginger, who like most of us, is somehow wounded by her past, including our main male. They meet again and it's time to find out if they can put the past in the past, heal and move towards the future. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but I will say that this novella is full of real turmoil and has characters that you'll find some small piece of yourself in. It is a Christian novella and you will see that in this novella. However, it isn't so in your face that, if you don't share those beliefs, it will get in the way of your enjoyment of the story.

Summary? The characters are relatable, the novella actually has really good closure, unlike some, and I'm already hoping to review the remainder of this year's series.


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I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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