Review: A is for Author by Brenna Jacobs

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

He’s the guy she loves to hate.
 
Emma Lindsor writes beautiful books adored by literary critics, even if readers don’t exactly line up for them. Aidan Maxwell writes heart-pounding thrillers with explosions and car chases. And thanks to his handsome face, readers line up for blocks to buy his novels.

Aidan Maxwell stands for everything Emma loathes, and when professional circumstances throw them together, sparks fly—angry ones. But as their paths keep crossing, will they see past their own hardwired ideas to star in a love story all their own?

My Review

I'm so excited for this series! I enjoy the author's writing style and the blend of fun and sassy with depth and emotion. In this book I loved getting to know Emma and Aiden- their flaws, struggles, vulnerabilities, and hopes. They have a great chemistry that starts out with misguided first impressions so it was interesting to watch how they were able to see past that and discover each other's true personalities and the developing romance.

I especially appreciated the perspectives shown of the literary and genre fiction worlds. I feel vindicated because I once had a liberal arts literary-loving friend mock me for my taste in books, and reading Emma’s experience of discovery was cathartic. The depth in this book goes beyond what your run-of-the-mill chick lit offers, which is what I look for in the contemporary romance that I read and enjoy. 

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

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Don't miss the novella that kicks off the series . . .

Synopsis

Can he persuade her to see him as something more than just her best friend?

Allie Carmichael is dating the wrong kind of man. To help Allie out of her dating rut, Allie’s sister, Cassie, challenges her to date 26 new men, all that have 26 different careers—one for every letter of the alphabet.

When Eric’s neighbor, Allie, asks him for help with her new dating challenge, he’s reluctant to get involved. Mostly because he’d really like Allie to fall in love with him. She’s determined to finish out her dating challenge, but he’s a veterinarian. And V is at the end of the alphabet.

Can Eric persuade Allie to abandon the list and see him as something more than just her best friend?

(Previously titled The ABC's of Dating)

Review: Always You by Lucinda Whitney

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She longs for the man who’s been writing to her for fifteen years. He wishes he could tell her it’s him. Can they come to the truth before it’s too late?

Simon Ackerley arrives in Lisbon for his temporary job as a consultant, not expecting to find his secret penpal easily. After all, he doesn’t know what she looks like or what her real name is. But when a biking accident reveals that Simon’s prickly co-worker Isabel is the elusive Amélie, he has to win her trust before he can confess his true identity.

Isabel Antunes is content with her life as director of the English Academy in Lisbon, until the chairman hires a consultant without her knowledge. Despite Simon Ackerley’s repeated assurances to the contrary, Isabel believes he’s after her position, and she won’t hand it over without a fight. As if dealing with him at work isn’t enough, he shows up at her book club as well. Her only solace is writing to the penpal she knows simply as Elliot.

As they work together, Isabel realizes Simon is nothing like her first impression and a tentative friendship grows between them. But how can she explore the possibilities when her heart belongs to Elliot?

Always You is a sweet secret relationship romance and it can be read as a standalone.

*Part of this story was previously published as One Small Chance. It has been rewritten and expanded to include new content and a swoony epilogue.*

My Review

I loved this sweet story with a "You've Got Mail" theme. The characters are well-fleshed out and the story and plot have a full arc. When I finished the last page I just had to sigh in satisfaction. The setting of Portugal played a huge part in making the story stand out. It was so fun to imagine the foreign location and accents and the vivid descriptions were subtle without taking over the narrative. I was able to connect with both Isabel and Simon and felt the emotions they were experiencing as they grew closer together in spite of the struggles they face. 

I read and loved it when it was first published as One Small Chance, but now with the added scenes and interactions between Isabel and Simon I love it even more! A fun couple to watch fall in love as Simon charms his way past Isabel's walls of reservation. Highly recommend!

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

Review: Charming the Shortstop by Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

He’s not looking. She’s been burned. But sparks fly, and they decide to go on a date. Just this once.

When professional baseball player Axel Diaz travels back to Belltown University for a friend’s wedding, he’s not planning on bringing a date. Until he meets Brighton West, the flight attendant who he can’t get off his mind. Although dubbed “Cold Axe” by some of his female fans, Axel asks Brighton to be his date to the wedding, all the while wondering why of all times and places he is breaking his no-dating streak. But the more he gets to know Brighton, the more he realizes she may be the one woman who can melt his cold heart.

My Review

Axel may be my favorite of the Belltown Six so far! He's devoted to his mother, teenage sister, and career, leaving no time for dating... but that's just an excuse. He doesn't feel like he's relationship material because of his issues with his father. It was great to see how his strong feelings for Brighton make him see that the risk is worth taking. I loved how he was a little vulnerable around her, and made his interest known instead of playing games. Brighton is overwhelmed by him but as she focuses on Axel as a person instead of his baseball fame, she sees what makes him so amazing. Their developing relationship was a pleasure to read, and even though there isn't a huge conflict or climax, the character-driven story made me so glad for their happy ending. Loving this series! The books are written so they can be read in any order, so don't hesitate to pick one up!

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

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Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusettes, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
 
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third

Review: A Song for the Stars by Ilima Todd

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Inspired by a true story

Hawaiian Islands, 1779

As the second daughter of a royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love. Her fiancé is the best navigator in Hawaiʻi, and he taught her everything he knows—how to feel the ocean, observe the winds, read the stars, and how to love.

But when sailors from a strange place called England arrive on her island, a misunderstanding ends in battle, and Maile is suddenly widowed before she is wed.

Finding herself in the middle of the battle and fearing for her life, Maile takes John Harbottle, the wounded man who killed her fiancé, prisoner, and though originally intending to let him die, she reluctantly heals him. And in the process, she discovers the man she thought was her enemy might be her ally instead.

John has been Captain James Cook’s translator for three voyages across the Pacific. He is kind and clearly fascinated with her homeland and her people—and Maile herself. But guilt continues to drive a wedge between them: John’s guilt over the death he caused, and Maile’s guilt over the truth about what triggered the deadly battle—a secret she’s kept hidden from everyone on the island.

When Maile is tasked with teaching John how to navigate using the stars so he can sail back to England, they must also navigate the challenges of being from very different cultures. In doing so, they might also find the peace that comes when two hearts become one.

My Review

I loved the way the two perspectives of Maile and John were shared in this book- both in first person perspective, with Maile telling the story and John's through journal entries. Sometimes letters or journals in storytelling makes me hesitant, but the author used it very successfully here, with John's emotions coming out clearly, his sense of wonder over the fascinating culture, his struggles vulnerabilities. Maile has tones of Disney's Moana with her independence, love of the ocean, and loyalty to her people. The historical story has darker themes however, with culture clash, misunderstanding, war, death, and grief. I thought the author did such a good job balancing the strong elements of the book and weaving them together- character development, interesting history and culture of the Hawaiian people, action with the battle scenes, and significant moments between Maile and John. They are both working through the devastation of loss, but Maile especially is confused and overwhelmed as she grieves her fiancé, heals and protects John, defends her father, worries over her people and the future, and experiences kindness from John. I liked seeing the lighter moments between them when they make each other laugh and some playfulness come out. John coming to know the ocean in the special way that Maile does is profound to him and deepens their connection. Their romance is so sweet and genuine and heartfelt. I appreciated the lovely storytelling that made this book stand out and it's one I highly recommend! 

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

Review & Giveaway: Miss Adeline's Match by Joanna Barker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Miss Adeline Hayes is the perfect lady's companion: pleasant, conversational, and unceasingly proper. But when her closest friend, Charity Edgeworth, breaks off her arranged marriage without explanation, even Adeline's superior skills are put to the test. Charity's father banishes the two young women to the country, sending Adeline with a charge to find Charity a husband or suffer dire consequences.

As Adeline takes on the role of reluctant matchmaker, she discovers more than one obstacle in her path. Not only does Charity prefer escaping in books to socializing, but Adeline soon finds her own attentions distracted by the standoffish—and irritatingly handsome—Mr. Evan Whitfield. Amidst an eventful foxhunt and the unexpected arrival of Charity's former betrothed, Adeline simply doesn't have time for a battle of wits with Evan. But the two are continually drawn together until Adeline begins to question her tightly guarded convictions about love and marriage.

However, when secrets are revealed and truths made known, Adeline must face her most fearsome obstacle yet: herself.

My Review

Such a moody vibe in this Regency romance, and I think much of it has to do with the winter setting! I felt transported and could practically feel the chill of the snow and wind. Adeline is an interesting character, unlike any lady's companion I've read in other stories- she is better at navigating Society than her charge/friend, Charity, and has a confidence that doesn't reflect her lower standing. I appreciated her witty retorts to the gossipy ladies who made Charity uncomfortable with their remarks. She also knew when it was prudent to rein herself or Charity in. She has a flaw of becoming manipulative, justifying that she's doing it because she sincerely wants what's best for Charity... but there are some personal motivations influencing her as well and her social juggling is bound to come crashing down. She and Evan (love that name) don't have the best first impression of one another, which makes it all the better as they get to know and fall in love with each other. I truly enjoyed seeing Evan's personality open up from a dour Mr. Darcy to an enchanted Mr. Knightley. There is plenty of emotion and angst as heartbreak, loyalty, secrets, and rejection play a role in each character coming to a place of understanding and forgiveness. Loved it and looking forward to more from this author!

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

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Review: Never Kneel to a Knight by Regina Scott

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When the thoroughly poised Charlotte Worthington requests that Miss Thorn and her cat Fortune find her a position, she never dreams the savvy employment agency owner would reunite her with Matthew Bateman, her brother’s former bodyguard. Matthew is about to be knighted for an act of valor, and he and his sisters could use some polishing if they’re to enter Society after his elevation. Yet how can Charlotte maintain her calm, cool demeanor as their sponsor when she harbors a secret love for him?

Matthew Bateman cannot forget the beauty who is miles out of his league. Once a boxer called the Beast of Birmingham, Matthew would like nothing better than to be worthy of Charlotte’s hand. As old enemies and new ones attempt to bring him low, can Matthew prove to Charlotte that their love is meant to be?

My Review

I love stories with a "Beauty and the Beast" theme going on! The previous book in the series hinted at Charlotte and Matthew's regard for each other, so I was eagerly anticipating their story, and it did not disappoint. At the beginning of the story they are trying to avoid each other because they  know their feelings could not lead to anything. Charlotte is so lovely with his sisters as a mentor and friend, and it was fun to see the different personalities of the girls. Matthew and Charlotte naturally warm up to each other despite their misgivings, and become a team as they work together to face a variety of obstacles and struggles. They have great chemistry and there are a few different plot threads that made the story dynamic and well-paced. Loved this escape into Regency England once again!

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

Review: Falling for Centerfield by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Cole has secrets.
Harlow has a past.
Will the part of his life Cole hides tear them apart, or become the very thing she loves most about him?

Major League Baseball Player, Cole Hunter, has strong ties to his college days and the university he shared with five of his best friends, now known as the #BellTownSixPack. When an old acquaintance, Harlow Ember, walks in, wearing his jersey and his signature sunglasses, he knows this woman might have what it takes to capture his heart. But none of Cole’s typical efforts to gain a girl’s attention seem to work on Harlow.

Harlow Ember is asked to report on a charity event for children back in Belltown sponsored by Cole Hunter and the Six Pack. Even though Cole attracts her in all the right ways, she has goals of her own that don’t involve losing her heart to one more guy who will end up leaving her cold. While her trust is at an all-time low, her interest and attraction are a raging pull in the other direction.

Will her hurts from the past and the secrets he hides work in their favor or end things before they can even begin?

My Review

Amazing characterization! The author does a great job of getting the reader in the head of Cole, who is both a showman and athlete. He's the type of guy that it's easy to swoon over, but I would never want to actually deal with the ego in a relationship. I loved that we got to see the deeper parts of Cole- what drives him, where he's vulnerable, and how he deals with his struggles. Harlow is strong, and her college friendship with the men of the Belltown Six Pack puts her in a unique position to challenge Cole in ways no other woman has. Their relationship has such a shifting dynamic, and my favorite parts are when they are both loose and relaxed, having fun together and being real. There are a lot of things standing in their way, and they have quite a journey to navigate. I most admired that Cole wouldn't give up on Harlow, and even when they felt betrayed by each other, they could see past the facade to the real person deep inside. Great contemporary romance, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

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

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Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusettes, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
 
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third

Review: Love Far from Home: Romance Box Set of Novellas by Annette Lyon

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

* FREE for Kindle Unlimited subscribers! *

Synopsis

Journey to to California, Yellowstone, and Las Vegas on three romantic trips in this boxed set of novellas by USA Today bestselling author Annette Lyon:

THE PIER CHANGES EVERYTHING
Alexandria has one last task to perform for her late husband, who died much too young: scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean. She goes to the Santa Monica Pier to do just that, but her plans get sidetracked after meeting Michael and feeling an immediate connection to him. They grab lunch, and the more time they spend together, the more they discover that they have in common—including past romantic hardships. As the day wears on, Alexandria begins learn that her heart just might be able to find love again.
(originally published in A Timeless Romance Anthology: California Dreamin' Collection)
 
OUR SONG
Cassie and Matt have been dating in the Yellowstone area for two years, and things are, well, average. When Cassie meets up with two college friends who are visiting, their love lives like sound like fairy tales: rose petals, chocolates, candles on the beach… Cassie goes home feeling like she’s missing out. After all, repeatedly watching Old Faithful erupt and walking through sulfur-smelling gases at Fountain Paint Pot don’t exactly say “romance.” Maybe things with Matt aren’t going anywhere, and it’s time to move on. Then she discovers that perception and reality are completely different things. Now she can only hope it isn’t too late to show Matt how much she really cares.
(originally published in A Timeless Romance Anthology: Annette Lyon Collection)
 
HEAD OVER HEELS
Tristan is proud to be an entrepreneur, running a popular singles’ lifestyle blog. So when she gets an offer to cover a singles convention in Las Vegas, she needs to find a way to get there from another freelance job in Salt Lake without breaking into her personal savings. Her friend sets her up with a co-worker who happens to be driving that way, and Tristan is more than surprised to come face-to-face with a man she has a lot in common with, not to mention seems to click with right away. The two decide to play a prank on Tristan’s friend, and pretend that they are smitten with each other, but soon, the lines between pretend and reality start to fade. 
(originally published in A Timeless Romance Anthology: Road Trip Collection)

My Review

This is a fabulous collection of three of my favorite novellas by Annette Lyon! It was a pleasure to read all of them again and I loved visiting the various settings with the characters.

The Pier Changes Everything is a lovely blend of fading grief and budding hope as childhood summer sweethearts serendipitously reconnect after several years apart. I loved how they were each at a turning point in their lives, attempting to leave heartache behind them and move on. It was sweet how they felt that instant connection and sense of rightness, being together again. I think this would make a great longer story as well, I would have liked to learn more about their experiences together at camp and how it shaped their lives leading up to present day, as well as more of the secondary characters like Michael's friend Nate. I feel like it's a well-written novella because I quickly got a good sense of their personalities, circumstances, and felt the depth of their emotions during their interactions. It wrapped up with a feeling of excitement for what the future holds for this wonderful couple.

Our Song is a great example of perception versus reality, and I appreciated the message of the true characteristics of love and what contributes to a successful and lasting relationship. The status quo between Cassie and Matt gets shaken up, but it wakes them both up to digging deep and getting out of their comfort zones to realize what they really want. It was fun to see what Matt cooked up to catch Cassie's attention! I'm a big fan of camping and the national parks, so I loved the setting and Cassie and Matt's jobs.

Head Over Heels is an entertaining story! The way Tristan's friend Alyssa connects her with the hot guy she met briefly at ComicCon is great, and even though Mac seems charming and cool, we soon see the more approachable and goofy side of him that is endearing. They have awesome chemistry and it's fun to see the beginnings of a relationship with two people that match together so well. They are the kind of people I like to be friends with :) This is one of my top 10 novellas that I love to re-read!

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

Review: Knox by Susan May Warren

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

He's not looking for trouble...

Montana rancher Knox Marshall's danger years are behind him. A former bull-rider, he now runs the Marshall family ranch, raising champion bucking bulls for the National Professional Bullrider's Expo (NBR-X). Wealth and success are his, but life is stable, expected, and…ordinary.  But he wants more from life...

But trouble is looking for her...

Kelsey Jones just wants a safe life, a family, a home. Onstage, the beautiful rising star of the Yankee Belles becomes the person she longs to be - vivacious and confident - burying the brokenness she carries from a violent assault. Becoming NBR-X’s next country act is key to outrunning her past and achieving the success and security she craves.

When trouble finds them both...

Knox and Kelsey's paths collide when an explosion at an NBR-X event traps them in the rubble and leaves them reeling. Kelsey’s crippling nightmares return, but for Knox, an obsession to find the bomber is ignited.

What will it cost him to protect her? 

When Kelsey’s past threatens Knox’s family, he'll have to choose between saving the Marshall legacy or becoming the protector he's always longed to be.

My Review

Be still my heart! I was thrilled to find out that the author is writing a series about the Marshall family- Rueben, the oldest brother, was my favorite smokejumper in the Montana Fire series, and the brief glimpse we see of his family when they are reunited at the end of Burnin' for You provided the perfect lead-in to more stories. I loved reading Knox's perspective and understanding his feelings about being responsible for the ranch while his siblings went on to lead exciting lives. He feels nice, safe, and old, but when Kelsey comes into his life with all her trauma and vulnerability, he is exactly what she needs, and he feels good about that. It was interesting to see the dichotomy in Kelsey's persona- the vibrant country singer who can hold a crowd in the palm of her hand, and the frightened victim who is just trying to hold it together for one more day. She drew out the hero in Knox, and he helped her feel protected and cherished for who she really is. They had great chemistry and the author did a fantastic job of showing them falling in love amid the turmoil in their lives. I loved the peace of the ranch and the way it calmed Kelsey, allowing her to realize the Lord's hand at work in her life. The pace is steady and quickens with each element of danger the characters face. Part of the story is shown from the perspective of Tate and Glo, and I'm excited for their story and the continuation of the suspenseful plot! All five books in the series are being released this year and I appreciate that we won't have long to wait between each book!

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

THE MONTANA MARSHALLS (family series)
 

Book 1: Knox
Book 2: Tate (July 2019)
Book 3: Ford (September 2019)
Book 4: Wyatt (October 2019)
Book 5: Ruby Jane (November 2019)