Showing posts with label Becky Monson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Becky Monson. Show all posts

Monday, September 12, 2022

Review: Pumpkin Spice and Not So Nice by Becky Monson



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

If I were ever to write a memoir, it would be titled, Jenna Peterson’s Guide to Dating Emotionally Unavailable Men. I’m like a professional at it. I’m so good, I can take any dysfunctional man and turn him into Prince Charming, just in time for him to dump me and then go on to marry the next woman he dates. I’m about ready to give up on loving real men and focus on lusting over fictional men in the Turkish dramas I can’t stop devouring.

But then . . . I find a mysterious fifty-dollar bill with a handwritten note on it that was donated to my family’s pumpkin patch by accident. And wouldn’t you know it, the mystery man it belongs to is emotionally unavailable, albeit freakishly attractive. I keep telling myself to walk away, but there’s something about Aidan St. Claire that makes me want to unravel all his secrets. All I know is he sure can heat up the cozy fall nights. I can’t help but think that maybe this time I’ll get to keep Prince Charming for myself.

My Review

This was a such a fun book to get me in the mood for fall! I loved the farm and pumpkin patch setting that her family runs, with all the quirkiness and "pumpkiny" spirit. Jenna also has her own career during the week and she and Aiden spend time in other locations, but it still had a small-town vibe. Aiden is a bit of a mystery since he's so buttoned-up, and I love how he recognizes that Jenna's personality complements him so well that he feels comfortable opening up to her. She has her own baggage with past relationships that is woven into her humorous narrative, and she goes through her own realizations as she gets closer to Aiden and discovers some hard truths about herself. Because we only get Jenna's perspective in the book, it was fun to guess at Aiden's motivations and when he was attracted to her and feeling more than friendship. They have a great dynamic and I loved their chemistry. There was plenty of delicious anticipation and romantic tension which really made the book for me. I read this before its companion book, A Pumpkin and a Patch, and I was impressed that they provided a simultaneous timeline without being repetitive with dialogue, which made each book stand so well on its own.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the companion book by Jennifer Peel . . .
 

 

Thursday, February 14, 2019

E-book #SALE: Honeymoon for One by Jennifer Peel and Once Again in the Falls by Becky Monson


Becky Monson and Jennifer Peel are excited to share with you their gorgeous new covers for Once Again in the Falls and Honeymoon for One. Not only have the covers been updated but they have re-branded their books under a new series: A Christmas at the Falls Romance.

Each book in the series is a standalone. They can be read in any order or on their own. In order to re-brand, some minor elements were changed in the stories and new additional material was added, including new last chapters and bonus Valentine's Day chapters. The love stories between the main characters remain the same and the focus of each book. Minor plot changes include a focus on only London's and Piper's friendship. We are excited about this new direction and hope you will be too. If you already read these stories, you can visit our websites to read the Valentine's Day bonus chapters.

Also, for a limited time, we are making the books available for 99 cents. They are also available in Kindle Unlimited.

Please be sure to visit Becky's and Jennifer's Facebook pages today, as they are each doing a giveaway to celebrate the relaunch of their books.




Honeymoon for One by Jennifer Peel
"The charm and romantic tension oozes off the pages . . ." - Lilac Queen, Romance Blogger ★★★★★ 

 "Honeymoon for One is beautifully written, and the plot is an engaging one that's perfect for the holiday season. Most highly recommended." - Readers Favorite ★★★★★  

Is there room for two on this honeymoon for one? 

Piper Wyatt's Christmas wish is to get promoted to manager at Blackstock Hotel and Resort. Not only does the promotion mean more money, but it means more time with her son and proof that she's not such a disappointment after all. Jace Petersen, successful owner of a national chain of sporting goods stores, finds himself alone and miserable on what should have been his honeymoon. That is until he literally falls onto the lovely Piper Wyatt. He's intrigued with this woman who can fix a car in high heels. Too bad for him, he makes a horrible first impression, and Piper's not allowed to mingle with the guests. While Piper tries her best to steer clear of Jace during his stay, she can't help but notice he's not the man from their first meeting. But is he worth risking her promotion? Jace hopes so, because he'd love nothing more than to kiss Piper atop the Falls on Christmas day to see if the legend is true. Will they both get their Christmas wishes? Find out in this charming Christmas tale about finding love in the most unexpected place, a honeymoon. 



Excerpt from Honeymoon for One
I stood up and made sure his head was clear before I slammed the hood shut. “I’m off to buy one. See you later.”

He stood puzzled. “You’re not going to call a tow truck or a repair shop?”

“No need. I can replace it myself for a lot cheaper.”

His smile said I was putting him on. “You can replace an alternator?”

“Sure.” At least I thought I could. I watched my dad do it once and there were YouTube videos. I walked around him to grab my purse from the car. I needed to hustle if I wanted to make it home before my parents dropped off Finn. I headed back to the hotel to see if any of my coworkers were leaving and could give me a ride. If I had to, I would bribe Ollie, who drove our courtesy van, to take me.

“Are you going to walk to get the alternator?”

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

“Do you have someone you can call for a ride?”

“I’ll figure it out. Enjoy your evening.” As in please leave.

He continued to walk with me but didn’t respond right away. “I can take you. I rented a car yesterday.”

I glanced over at him. “I don’t think that would be appropriate but thank you.”

“Why? Are you too young? Or am I too old?”

“Probably both, but you’re a guest and . . .”

“And what?”

“People might get the wrong impression, and I can’t afford that.”

His lips curled into a devious smile. “And what impression would that be?”

“You know very well.” I stalked off.

“Let me help you.”

He caught me off guard. I stopped again, catching the sincerity in his brown eyes. “Why do you want to?”

“Because I can, and I like you.”

“You don’t know me.”

“True, but what I’ve seen so far is likable. And if it will make you feel better, I’ll let you drive so you don’t have to worry about some old man trying to lure you away.”

He got me to smile.

“Is that a yes?”

“I . . . I . . . My job . . .”

“Don’t worry about your job; I’ll talk to April if I have to.”

I blew out the breath I’d been holding. “Hand over your keys.” I held out my hand.
His eyebrow arched, only making him appear better looking. “You’re serious?”

“Very.” 










Once Again at the Falls by Becky Monson

***2018 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner!***  

"The chemistry is so swoony and the kisses will curl your toes!" -Katie's Clean Book Collection ★★★★★ 

"Becky Monson has written a fabulous story of friendships rekindled, talents rediscovered and, of course, romance." -Christine J ★★★★★ 

In one day, London Walsh finds out her ex is going to be her boss and that her parents are getting a divorce—and they want her to referee the situation. So when she’s offered the chance to spend the holidays in her old hometown of Christmas Falls, far away from all the drama, she jumps on it. But the quaint town doesn’t feel quite like the home it once was. London shed the goth image that defined her in high school long ago, but no one recognizes the woman she's become. Except for Andy Broll, London’s childhood next door neighbor. He recognizes her immediately, which sends London’s heart fluttering as she starts to see Andy in a whole different light. But when her time in Christmas Falls doesn’t go as planned, will London face it head on? Or will she find a reason to run? 





Excerpt from Once Again at the Falls

“So sorry,” I said, looking toward the ground as I realized I had knocked a bag of chocolate covered almonds out of his hand. “Where did you find these?” I asked the stranger I’d just plowed into as I bent over and picked up the bag, handing it back to the man.
 
I nearly dropped it again when I saw who the owner of the almonds was. “Andy?”
 
The lanky boy I once knew now had broad shoulders framing his tall figure. I did a double take, wondering if I was mistaken, but it was definitely him. His same hazel eyes and dark brown hair, the same pair of square-rimmed glasses he always wore perched on his nose. This was Andy Broll, for sure.
 
He looked at me, and I braced myself for the who-the-heck-are-you response I was surely about to get.
 
“London?” he asked, pulling his brows together. “London Walsh?”
 
“Yes,” I said, feeling a sudden desire to jump up and down and squeal like a sorority sister. “You recognize me?”
 
“Yeah . . . yes, of course,” he said. A full smile took over his face as his eyes moved over me, taking me all in.
 
“How are you here?” he asked.
 
“I took a plane,” I said, a teasing grin on my face.
 
“Come here,” he said, opening his arms wide to give me a hug, and I so needed a hug right then. I basically threw myself into his arms.
 
It wasn’t graceful in the slightest, but it was exactly what I needed. The hug was tight, warm, and genuine. Andy felt strong and manly. There was some definite muscle action happening there. This was nothing like the skinny kid I used to hang out with.
 
“I’m so happy you recognized me,” I said as we pulled out of the hug.
 
“Why wouldn’t I recognize you?” he asked, a confused look on his face.
 
“No one else has so far,” I said, adding a super pathetic shrug for emphasis.
 
“Well, I mean, your hair is different,” he said reaching up and gently touching a lock of my brown-highlighted hair.
 
“Yeah, I got rid of the black,” I said, feeling utterly thrilled to have someone recognize me—and Andy, of all people.
 
“And the makeup,” he made a circle around his face with his index finger.
 
“Got rid of all that too,” I said.
 
“I like,” he said, and I beamed. That was something he always said back in high school. “But you’re still you,” he said. “I still see London.”
 
He smiled brightly again, and oh, how I’d missed that smile. At that moment, I couldn’t believe I had ever lost touch with him. I couldn’t even remember how it had happened.





Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Review: Just a Name by Becky Monson


Heidi Reads... Just a Name by Becky Monson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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

Synopsis

If there’s one thing Holly Murphy loves, it’s a solid plan. She has her entire life figured out—or so she thinks. But when life pulls the rug out from under her, she’s left to deal with a canceled wedding—hers, to be precise. And the promotion she’s worked toward for years is now in jeopardy because the team she supervises doesn’t like her management style.

Thinking that Holly is too tightly wound and needs a break from everything, her boss demands she take a vacation. But how can she take a vacation when her promotion is on the line? Trying to help out, her best friend, Quinn, suggests she still go on her honeymoon and conduct a nationwide search to find a man with the same name as her ex-fiancĂ© to use his plane ticket. Leaving Holly to wonder if she’s the only sane person left on the planet.

Yet when her boss gets wind of the idea and loves it, Holly finds herself in a corner she can’t get out of. And when handsome Nate Jones from Newport Beach gets picked to go with her, she wonders if this whole thing won’t be so bad after all.

Can Holly learn to let go? Or will this crazy adventure send her running right back to her safety net?


My Review

What a fun book! Holly is flawed in ways I can't quite understand, not being a workaholic myself ;) The author did a great job of getting me in her head and even though I thought she was more than a little crazy for not wanting to take time off from her frustrating work situation to travel *to Europe*, I liked when she started to listen to her friends and stretched outside her comfort zone. She learned some invaluable life lessons and I enjoyed seeing her progress on her journey. There's a great balance of humor, angst, and romance. My favorite parts were with her ex-fiancee's best friend who obviously has an unrequited thing for her that she is oblivious to. I loved how patient he is with her and has to start from scratch to build a new friendship with her. Such great romantic tension! Perfect for fans of contemporary romance of the chick-lit-with-depth variety :)

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


Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Love in Bloom Spotlight, Sale, & Giveaway: Author Becky Monson

 


   

Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace by Becky Monson  

Speak Now is the latest hit from the author of the hit Spinster Series, Becky Monson. In this Readers’ Favorite Book Award Winner (Bronze Medal) novel, Bridgette Reynolds needs to stop a wedding, but can she do it? 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? 

 


   



After some channel surfing, and a vain attempt to catch up with The Young and the Restless (I couldn’t watch the Ian and Heather and Jessica drama—a bit too close to home), I decide to drag myself upstairs to Margie’s place where Gram and the girls are playing bridge. I need something to get my mind off everything. I doubt it will work, but it’s worth a try.
 
“Is Gram here?” I ask Margie when she answers the door.
 
“Sure is,” she says, opening the door wide. She ushers me in with a sweep of her hand.
 
I walk into Margie’s apartment, which is set up a lot like Gram’s. And just as old-fashioned as well. But, like Gram’s place, it has a homey feel to it. I will say that there are doilies. Lots of doilies.
 
“Look who’s here, ladies,” Margie says as we walk into the living room.
 
Gram and two other ladies, Evelyn and Barbara, all turn to see who it is. Once they see me they all start talking in unison. Saying hello and asking me question after question. I try to field each query, but they keep talking over each other.
 
“Well, Bridgette, what brings you here?” Gram asks, after the chatter has settled. She looks slightly concerned. She wasn’t expecting me. Likewise, I was not expecting to come up here, but here I am.
 
“I thought I would come and see what you ladies are doing.” I knew they were playing cards, so that was kind of a dumb comment. “And also to check up on Gram,” I say, pointing to the wine glass sitting to her left. That was not something I was expecting to find, but I’m glad I did.
 
She looks down at the glass and then back up at me, a sheepish just-been-caught look on her face.
 
“Oh, that’s mine,” Evelyn declares, and I roll my eyes. Evelyn isn’t even sitting next to Gram.
 
“Gram, you’ve got to be kidding. Does she drink every time she’s playing cards with you?” I ask, looking around the room.
 
“Not all the time,” Barbara pipes in. “Just . . . most of the time.”




   



 "Speak Now grabbed me from the beginning! This is the perfect escape/beach read - light and fun, amusing with some tearful moments." -Reviewing in Chaos 

"By the end of the book I felt like Bridgette was a real life friend of mine and I was actually sad when the book ended." -Divine Books Blog 

 "Can I give this book a 10? It was so fantastic!" -Taking Time for Mommy 


 

Author Becky Monson 

 

By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. An award-winning* author, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last… but it probably won’t.   








 
 





Giveaway Details Ends 5/16/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.