Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Review: The Librarian and Her Beast by Laura Ann


Heidi Reads... The Librarian and Her Beast by Laura Ann

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Welcome to Middleton Prep, a place where fairy tales and modern day collide. Where fair maidens spend their time developing lesson plans and valiant knights do battle with unreliable wifi signals; all in the hopes of finding True Love.

Librarian Piper Belmont’s world turns topsy turvy when new football coach Nash Wilde joins the staff at her school. Tall, dark and handsome, he’s every girl’s dream...until Piper realizes he only speaks in grunts and nods. Determined not to judge a book by its cover, Piper agrees to go out with him.

Just as they are getting to know each other, a family emergency forces Piper to leave town. Will she ever get the chance learn the secrets behind Nash’s silence? Or will the staff’s reigning beauty queen catch Nash’s interest before Piper gets back?

The Librarian and Her Beast is the first book in the Middleton Prep series. Each book is a stand alone story, but the series is best read in order. Every installment is a loosely based, contemporary retelling of a favorite fairy tale, full of swoon worthy kisses and, of course, a Happily Ever After.


My Review

I enjoyed this cute novella with a fun premise- classic fairy tale characters are modern day teachers and staff at a high school. This story is obviously based on Beauty and the Beast, and I thought it was a nice nod to make Piper the librarian. She's likeable and has some funny quirks. Nash represents the Beast as a nearly mute math teacher and football coach (although his brawniness comes off as hot rather than fearsome). The mystery of why he wouldn't talk kept me reading and while I thought Piper was enabling him by "playing a one-sided game of twenty questions," it drew out the relationship until other conflicts enter the plot to mix things up. They have great physical chemistry in the beginning of their relationship, and over time they learn to read each other and grow closer in other ways. The villain was way over the top which was a turn-off since I prefer more subtlety and dimensionality. Overall it was a fun bit of fluff that provided a nice escape for an evening.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Spotlight & Giveaway: A Thousand Sleepelss Nights by Teri Harman




http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Is love stronger than grief?

After the death of her Aunt Jetty, the woman who raised her, Matilda White packs a single suitcase, leaving behind her home, her small town in Kansas, and the man she’s supposed to marry.
Henry Craig is a writer—if only he could find the right words. While sitting at a worn table in a Detroit library he sees a new librarian, Matidla, and suddenly the world erupts with words.

Six years later, Matilda and Henry load their young daughter Lucy, two antique typewriters, and a box of Henry’s love letters into the car and head off to a new life. But one snowstorm and a slippery road take it all away. In that black moment of tragedy Matilda turns to Henry and says, “I wish I’d never met you.”

The world goes dark.

Matilda wakes up in Jetty’s dilapidated house with no memory of the last six years. Beside her on the bed, a book and an antique typewriter.

Henry wakes up in his familiar spot in the library, a book and old typewriter squatting on the table beside him. He can’t remember the last six years.

Can words on a typed page, sent from one typewriter to another, push aside tar-thick pain and resurrect love?


About the Author

Teri Harman has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. She’s the author of three previous books: Blood Moon, Black Moon, and Storm Moon. She also writes about books for ksl.com, and contributed regular book segments to “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker,” Utah’s number one lifestyle show. She lives in Utah with her husband and three children. Visit her at teriharman.com.




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Saturday, May 26, 2018

Review: Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel


Heidi Reads... Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

A first love that deserves a second chance.

Doctoral student Holland Reeves may have aced every class she’s ever taken, but when it comes to life outside her lab, she finds she has more meaningful relationships with test tubes and pipettes than she does with people. That all changes when a surprise wedding invitation arrives, forcing her to return to the small coastal town of Paradise and the Clairborne Resort, where she left her first dream of being Mrs. Clairborne to begin the dream of becoming Dr. Reeves. There she must face her past and, to her surprise, the only man she ever loved, Porter Clairborne, the prodigal son who has unexpectedly returned.

Together, Holland and Porter must decide if their love deserves a second chance, and if Paradise will finally live up to its name or forever remain a town of broken dreams.


My Review

All the feels! I don't know how, it must be some kind of writer magic, but this author totally sucked me into Holland's mind and I felt all the emotion right along with her- uncertainty, angst, compassion, hope, and joy. It's even more impressive because Holland is such a different person that I normally wouldn't relate to- her scientific approach to everything, her quirky random science facts at inopportune moments, her coping mechanism of reciting the periodic table- became endearing and funny. It really worked for me to see her use those methods to sort through the tension (emotional and romantic) and face her long-repressed feelings in order to determine if she has a future with Porter.

Porter was such a great leading man- so charming, but well-balanced by humility as he seeks to make restitution for his past choices. I loved his determination to win Holland's trust and love again, and I loved even more that she made him work for it, but not in a mean way, just that he really needed to prove himself with actions to back up his words. I absolutely loved his family and the important role they play in Holland opening herself up to love and affection. His stepmother Natalie was especially integral to drawing Holland out and giving her a confidant and mother figure that was missing from her life. I'm so thrilled that there is a follow-up book with Natalie and Beau's story!!!

The romantic tension and chemistry was off-the-hook, and there is plenty of romance as Holland and Porter's relationship progresses from distant memories to much, much more. I appreciate that the special moments balanced sensual with respectful, and while the physical attraction was palpable, the focus was on the emotional connection of the relationship. All the little details and mannerisms made this story one that I savored and literally couldn't put down. Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


The Destined for Love: Resorts collection:

Matched by Design by Lindzee Armstrong
Keep Me At Christmas by Lucinda Whitney
Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel
The Trust of a Billionaire by Michelle Pennington
Marrying an Athlete by Anne-Marie Meyer
Her Big Fat Dreamy Billionaire Ex by Victorine E. Lieske
If the Suit Fits by Sally Johnson
Kings Crossed Lovers by Donna K. Weaver

Review & Giveaway: Cowboys of Summer by Mary Connealy, Lorna Seilstad, Cheryl St. John, Missy Tippens, Tina Radcliffe, Sherri Shackelford



https://amzn.to/2rC5zJJTitle: Cowboys of Summer
Authors: Mary Connealy, Lorna Seilstad, Cheryl St. John, Missy Tippens, Tina Radcliffe & Sherri Shackelford
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance / Western
http://www.goodreads.com

As the summer weather sizzles, relax by the pool with stirring tales of handsome cowboys and the spirited ladies who wrangle them into romance. Six of Christian fiction’s most beloved authors join forces to bring you a collection of humorous, romantic and heartfelt novellas set against the sultry heat of summer.

In Mary Connealy’s, “Dr. Tess and the Cowboy”, sparks fly when Dr. Tessa Rhoades discovers dinosaur bones on Joe Holt’s ranch and decides to excavate—even if that means kicking Joe off his own land. 

In “Hometown Girl” by Cheryl St.John, injured rodeo champion Justin Cooper returns to the sleepy Oklahoma town he escaped for fame and fortune--and takes his biggest tumble yet--straight into the arms of Stevie Marshall, his first love who soon has him questioning his life choices. 

In Tina Radcliffe’s, “Lake Effect”, cynical cowboy Tucker Jackson knows he’s in trouble when he starts counting the days until the end of summer and praying ‘summer girl’ Jessica Richards will find a home for her heart in Paradise.

In "His Lone Star Heart" by Missy Tippens, rancher Zeb West tries hard not to fall for Beecher Brown, the feisty but off-limits sister of his best friend. As she tries to prove she's capable of running her family's ranch--the one he's trying to buy--he might just find he's met his match...for life.

Will Lorna Seilstad’s characters make “Great Strides” when Dana Etherton, the owner of a horse therapy ranch, must choose between the kids she serves and Adam Malone, the embezzler who’s been assigned to do community service there?

When Paige Monroe agrees to draw the press away from a country star’s wedding by pretending to be the look-alike bride, she wasn’t counting on having very real feeling for her decoy fiancĂ©, Sterling Tanner.  In Sherri Shackelford’s, “The Decoy Bride”, two people feigning love forget they’re acting.


TO PURCHASE A COPY*

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My Review

I enjoyed these entertaining stories set in the Midwest on ranches and in small towns. They each had a creative plot and interesting characters that put up a fight at first, but just can't help falling in love. Some characters made the transition from antagonism to romance more quickly than others, but they were all fun to read. I especially enjoyed Tucker and Jessica in Lake Effect; they are both vulnerable and hesitant to risk a new relationship. Jessica is at a crossroads in her life and doesn't know what the future holds for her, and Tucker is guarding not only his heart but also his daughter's. It's a story that I would enjoy reading a longer version of, especially details of Jessica's inn and Tucker's ranch. Another story I found fascinating was Great Strides with Dana's career and passion for hippotherapy. I loved learning about how it works and the way that the horses helped strengthen the children. A wonderful collection for fans of sweet contemporary romance and cowboys ;)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


ABOUT THE AUTHORS


Photo courtesy of
Ginger Murray Photography
Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
CONNECT WITH MARY: website,  facebook,  twitter,  instagram

You can also find Mary at these sites: Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols

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Lorna Seilstad has called Iowa home her whole life. She received her B.S. in education from Lubbock Christian University. After her first child was born, she stopped teaching and became a professional wiper. “I wiped noses, tears, skinned knees, baby’s bottoms, and countertops every day. But at naptime, I wrote.” Today, she writes historical fiction with a generous dash of humor.

CONNECT WITH LORNA: websitefacebook


cheryl2

Cheryl St. John is the award-winning author of more than fifty Harlequin and Silhouette books, as well as several independently published books. Her book Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict by Writer's Digest is a popular seller. Cheryl has always loved the exciting and diverse worlds available between the covers of books. As a child Cheryl wrote stories and drew covers, then stapled them into little books. She cut all the tiny book images from the book club advertisements in the Sunday paper and glued them to bits of cardboard so Barbie® had a full library.

Cheryl believes in paying it forward, and her some of her most rewarding experiences have been sharing in the successes of writers she has coached over the years.
Cheryl loves hearing from readers.  You can email her at StJohn[at]aol[dot]com.

CONNECT WITH CHERYL: website,  facebook,  pinterest


205_missytippens_3

Born and raised in Kentucky, Missy Tippens has lived in Georgia for the last 25+ years. She is a pastor's wife and mom of three. A former microbiologist and teacher, she now focuses on her writing.
After more than ten years of working toward publication, Missy finally made her first sale of a novel in 2007. She feels very blessed to be working at home in her dream job!

CONNECT WITH MISSY: website, facebook

You can also find Missy at these sites: Seekerville and Yankee Belle Cafe


Tina March 2018 2

Tina Radcliffe is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist, a 2014 ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist, a 2014 Golden Quill finalist and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. She has won first place in over twenty RWA chapter affiliated contests in her career. Tina is also a short story writer and has sold over twenty-five short stories to Woman’s World Magazine. She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance. Find her at http://www.tinaradcliffe.com where you can sign up for her newsletter so you don’t miss her fun giveaways and bad jokes.

CONNECT WITH TINA: website,  facebooktwitter,  pinterest,  instagram


Sherri Shackelford Bio

Sherri Shackelford is an award-winning author of inspirational, Christian romance novels for Harlequin/HarperCollins Publishers. A wife and mother of three, Sherri’s hobbies include collecting mismatched socks, discovering new ways to avoid cleaning, and standing in the middle of the room while thinking, “Why did I just come in here?” A reformed pessimist and recent hopeful romantic, Sherri has a passion for writing. Her books are fun and fast-paced, with plenty of heart and soul. Look for her new adventure in Love Inspired Suspense, No Safe Place, in stores January of 2019.

CONNECT WITH SHERRI: website,  facebooktwitter


GIVEAWAY

justread_cowboysGiveThe authors of Cowboys of Summer are giving (1) winner:
Prize:
  • (1) $25 Amazon Gift Card
  • (1) 'I Trust in God's Unfailing' Mug
  • (1) Reading at the Cafe Candle from Frostbeard Studios
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 21, 2018 and last through 11:59 PM on May 28, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER HERE or use the Entry Form below


Be sure to stop at a stop each day for extra entries!


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Friday, May 25, 2018

Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Gentle Heart by Christie Logan

   

A Gentle Heart by Christie Logan 

Ambitious realtor Alex has plans for his life—big plans—and getting dumped by his fiancĂ©e won't sidetrack him. He'll have to face her again at an important business function, but he won't let himself be the object of pity and scorn. What better way to show the world—and his ex— how well he's doing than to arrive with a beautiful woman on his arm? A woman he finds, of all places, behind the lingerie counter of a department store. Tyffanie has dreams that extend far beyond her sales counter, but she's been burned by men only interested in her looks. Deep inside, she's still the gawky, freckle-faced girl other kids used to tease. When handsome, successful Alex enters her life, everything changes. He's the first to look beneath the surface, respect her, and care about her hopes and dreams. Alex discovers there is so much more to Tyffanie than outward beauty. He's falling in love with her kind soul and gentle heart when he must decide how far he's willing to pursue success and all its trappings. Because his need to win at all costs may cost him Tyffanie's love.    




Excerpt from A Gentle Heart

Somehow, in spite of all their silliness, they found themselves at her building. So engrossed in her company, he hadn't realized where she'd been leading him. He accompanied her up the walkway to the stoop. The lantern beside her front door glowed yellow, illuminating her bright hair. Her cheeks were pink with cold. Were her lips cold too? He imagined warming them with his own. 

She took both his hands in hers. "Thank you for tonight, Alex. I had so much fun." 

"I should be thanking you," he said, his gloved hands holding fast to hers. "You planned the evening." He didn't want to let her go. Didn't want to say good night. It wasn't that late, was it? 

"I'm glad." She paused, gazing up at him, and for a moment he forgot to breathe. His mind went blank as he lost himself in her beautiful brown eyes. 

Then it hit him. She was waiting for him to kiss her. 

His heart thudded and for an instant he was back in time, once again an awkward sweaty fifteen year old who'd never kissed a girl.  

Quick, dummy! A voice inside him hissed. Make your move before she changes her mind.
 

     

Author Christie Logan 


 Christie Logan writes sweet romance straight from the heart. She lives in upstate New York with too many pets, too many dust bunnies lurking under the bed, and too many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head. She thinks everyone deserves a happy ending and in her books, they get one.


      

 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 6/10/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.      




Thursday, May 24, 2018

Cover Reveal: Timeless Regency Collection: Wedding Wagers by Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Michele Paige Holmes


https://amzn.to/2KR6I7t

Coming in August 2018!!!

Now available for pre-order and be sure to add it to your Goodreads list!

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Three wagers. Three couples. Three chances at love. Let the bets begin.

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance, comes WEDDING WAGERS. Featuring bestselling authors Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, and Michele Paige Holmes.



Other books in the Timeless Regency Collections:




E-book Sale & Giveaway: 99 Cents for The Hometown Groom by Jennifer Youngblood

 

The Hometown Groom (Texas Titan Romances) by Jennifer Youngblood 

A hunky quarterback, a debutante, and the merger that might forever keep them apart … Emerson Stein has no intention of marrying billionaire Finley Landers just so her daddy’s merger will go through, no matter how much of a hissy fit her mama throws. When she skips out of a high-profile barbecue to barrel race at a rodeo, she never expects to meet Riker Dylan, the new starting quarterback for the Titans. With his startling blue eyes, easy smile, and boyish charm, Riker turns Emerson’s head and sends her pulse racing to the stars. Too bad she chews him out and punches him in the gut. Growing up just outside Dallas, Riker Dylan never imagined he’d get the chance to play football for the Titans. An unexpected encounter with a copper-haired beauty puts him on an uncharted path. Why does he get the feeling there’s more to her than meets the eye? When the stakes get impossibly high, will Emerson have the courage to choose her own path to be with the man she loves, or will the family pressure prove to be too great? 



     




Author Jennifer Youngblood 


Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique. While Jennifer enjoys writing in many genres, she has settled comfortably into the world of clean contemporary romance and is loving every minute of it! Jennifer has B.A. in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii in 1989. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times. In addition to her love for writing, Jennifer enjoys working in the home design industry. She and her husband owned an interior design gallery where she specialized in custom window treatments and floral arrangements. As far as Jennifer is concerned, there are few of the world's problems that can't be solved with a warm brownie and vanilla bean ice cream. She loves romantic movies, roller blading, clogging, and jogging. She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother. 


 

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 6/8/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  





Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Review: With a Kiss: A Sweet Romance Anthology by Traci Hunter Abramson, Rachel Branton, Rachelle J. Christensen, Joyce DiPastena, Danyelle Ferguson, Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Luisa Perkins, Janette Rallison, Heather Tullis


Heidi Reads... With a Kiss: A Sweet Romance Anthology by Traci Hunter Abramson, Rachel Branton, Rachelle J. Christensen, Joyce DiPastena, Danyelle Ferguson, Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Luisa Perkins, Janette Rallison, Heather Tullis

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

**On sale for a limited time only!**

"ALL proceeds will go toward Robison Wells's family's medical expenses. All of the authors have donated new novellas + the editing + cover design were all donated as well. A true labor of love to help one of our own!" -Heather B. Moore

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

A collection of 10 brand new sweet romance novellas by USA Today bestselling & award winning authors.
 

DANCING TO FREEDOM by Traci Hunter Abramson: A Russian ballerina. An American hockey player. A forbidden romance. Can Katrina follow her heart when freedom is the one thing she lacks? Or will the Cold War cost her the only man she has ever loved?

RYLEE’S MIX-UP by Rachel Branton: Rylee Williams didn’t want to be a bridesmaid at her estranged sister’s wedding, the sister who’d grown up with the family she was supposed to have. So why does she find herself in a dress two sizes too big and no date for the wedding? Maybe it’s time to give up on her family once and for all. But a greased pig contest and handsome cowboy Beck Seeger might just change her mind—both about sticking it out and taking a chance at love.

THE REFUGEE’S BILLIONAIRE by Rachelle J. Christensen: Shawn Halstrom has an assignment: travel to Atlanta, Georgia to investigate The Heart of Atlanta refugee center so that Burke Enterprises can make a donation. The job should take two weeks tops, but he wasn’t planning on falling for a Cuban refugee named Carolina Diaz. She’s a single mother who isn’t interested in dating, even if the guy might be a billionaire.

JUST THIS MOMENT by Joyce DiPastena: Alys’s late husband thought her useful only for spinning thread. Now a mysterious monk has come to take her to a nunnery. Can a sightless woman like Alys exert her independence to forge a future of her own choice? And will the monk, who stirs forbidden longings in her, help or hinder her?

ORIGAMI GIRL by Danyelle Ferguson: Josephine loved teaching crafts at the children's hospital until she was assigned to help Dr. Blake learn how to relate with his patients. As she helps the young doctor soften his sharp edges, relax his rigid folds, and open up to the people around him, she finds she can't help but love the man he's becoming.

SABRINA’S HERO by Donna Hatch: For weeks, Sabrina daydreams about a mysterious gentleman who frequents the lending library. Is he perchance an agent for the crown? A returning war hero? A highwayman? A fateful public assembly introduces her to the mystery man as well as an intriguing newcomer. Now she’s torn between a charming rake promising the adventure she craves, and a handsome barrister who offers security. Only one will stand by her when it matters most.

FALLING FOR LUCY by Heather B. Moore: Lucy Morley’s older sister is perfect, yet Lucy can’t even hold down a job, let alone stick with something like college. After another disastrous firing, she lands her dream job at a bookstore—and it doesn’t hurt that her new boss, Adam Parks, is pretty much her dream man. But if Lucy is good at one thing, it’s guarding herself from heartbreak. Adam has other plans in mind that include finding a way into Lucy’s heart.

MY DEAREST EMMA by Luisa Perkins: Since her husband died at 25, Johanna has worked at a busy hotel in the new railroad town of Danube, Minnesota, soothing her loneliness by writing home to her sister in Germany. When she meets August, a shy widower, her letters reveal a budding friendship. But Johanna soon begins to question whether their romance can survive a demanding employer, August’s jealous daughter, and the misgivings of two recently broken hearts.

COVERTLY YOURS by Janette Rallison: Paisley Spencer never needed a knight in shining armor—until she finds herself surrounded by three gangsters in a bad part of Phoenix. A handsome stranger intervenes, rescuing her from certain disaster. The only catch? Now she has to pretend to be his girlfriend for the next hour. She finds it’s a job she doesn't want to end.

SUSPECT LOVE by Heather Tullis: description coming soon


My Review

What a collection! Such a variety of stories from some of my favorite authors, some I've read once or twice, and some I've only heard of. I love getting a taste of what an author's style is like in a novella, and also if the author branches out into a different genre! All of the stories were entertaining and there is a good mix of contemporary and historical, suspense and cozy. Some I enjoyed more than others, but I definitely think any reader who is a fan of clean romance would like most of the stories they find here if not all. Here are my brief thoughts on each novella...

The characters in Dancing to Freedom had a pretty swift start to their romance, but it was the intrigue and element of suspense that drove the plot. I liked learning more about the ballerinas while they toured Canada and the United States.

Rylee's Mixup was a fun story of mistaken identity with the charming cowboy and also had some deeper themes with her past of a dysfunctional family and foster homes. I enjoyed Rylee and Beck's banter and chemistry more than the family drama, but there was a good balance between the two.

I enjoyed the setting of a refugee center in Atlanta in The Refugee's Billionaire, where Carolina is an employee helping new refugees acclimate to their new country and its culture. Her innovative ideas and compassion attract Shawn and even though he's not really a billionaire, he is successful in his own right. They develop a sweet romance and work together to keep the center alive and growing.

Just This Moment is a medieval historical, and I'm always impressed by this author's ability to transport me to the time period and make it come to life. Deception and politics come into play as Alys must be torn from her daughter and ensconced in a nunnery while her daughter is raised in another household and betrothed to the leader's son. As Walter transcribes Alys's life memories to preserve for her daughter, he realizes the injustice of such a strong and clever woman being forced to submit to the will of others. I loved this story and am excited to read more about the characters in the author's upcoming works this fall!

Origami Girl is one of my favorites from this collection! It takes two completely opposite people and throws them into situations with some of the most vulnerable and strong individuals- children with cancer. Josephine's positive attitude in spite of her losses is admirable and she uses her talents to inspire and bring happiness to others. I enjoyed seeing her influence on Dr. Blake and understanding how his childhood influenced the person he became. His vulnerabilities reveal someone who needs love and light more than he realized. The children they interact with in the hospital make this story fun and full of heart.

I always love a good Regency romance, and this author is one of my must-reads in the genre. This story had hints of Austen about it which was fun to discover. Sabrina was definitely like Catherine Moreland from Northanger Abbey, imagining intrigue and secrets and dreaming of adventure. Her naivetĂ© was frustrating when it came to the gentlemen pursuing her, and there was a Wickham/Darcy dynamic with Mr. Wynn and Mr. Beauchamp. I appreciated the addition of an tragic historical event and the depth it brought to the story. 

Heather B. Moore is another must-read author for me, and the main reason I was interested in this collection. Her story did not disappoint! I loved the setting of a cozy bookstore, the characters that came alive with their personalities and mannerisms, and the fun romance that made me wish the story was longer. Definitely one of my favorites.

My Dearest Emma is a historical epistolary story, told through letters from Johanna to her sister and relating her struggles after her husband passed away and her experiences working for a hotel. While the friendship between Johanna and Herr Jentz is sweet, there is a significant age gap that makes them hesitate to deepen the relationship. I liked how that gap seemed to close as they grew closer and allowed their care for each other to overcome their concerns.  

Covertly Yours was a hoot! Paisley is totally out of her element but keeps trying to make the best of it so she can survive the night. One thing leads to another and by the end of a rather eventful night, her life has changed. I loved the chemistry between her and Ice, and the way the plot developed with its twists and turns. Another favorite!

A strong finish to the collection was Suspect Love, where Regean, a phlebotomist, was hoping for a promotion but had to hide her disappointment when it was given to someone from outside the company. Titus is actually a professional clean-up guy, brought in to discover who is skimming from the register and stealing from the company. He wins Regan over with his down-to-earth friendliness and she takes a risk, even though she discovers his is a temporary assignment. The setting was interesting and the characters had great chemistry.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)