Review: The Problem with Cupid by Robin Daniels

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

After Evan's relationship fail during Christmas vacation, he heads back to college with a new plan. It's time for a break from dating. He doesn't want to quit the game completely though. Garland, his funny, lovable, down-to-earth roommate, is constantly talking to girls. And never asking them out.

Evan might be on a romantic hiatus but that doesn't mean he can't help his best friend find love. So, when Evan meets Abby in student government class, he trades in his player card for Cupid's bow. She and Garland would be perfect together and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know they'll never hook up without help.

His matchmaking scheme works brilliantly. A little too brilliantly. By the time Garland and Abby start hitting it off, Evan has grown quite fond of her. That's the problem with playing Cupid. If you're not careful, you run the risk of getting shot by your own arrow.

My Review

This book played like a movie in my mind! The author does a great job of making it easy to visualize the characters and their mannerisms, and I love the humorous tone that runs throughout the story. Is there a term for two people who think they have unrequited love for each other but are actually both secretly in love? Whatever it's called, it's one of my favorite tropes! Plenty of hidden yearning and romantic tension. Evan is trying to play it cool, but just can't help himself when it comes to Abby. I love when characters fall hard for someone who isn't their usual type! Abby is hilarious with the things she says that slip past her filter, and she's easy to like. A super fun "new adult" romance! I hope the author continues to write more in this loosely connected series!

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

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Don't miss the previous book in the Holiday Romance series . . .

Review: Gambling on a Gentleman by Brenna Jacobs

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

A society gentleman with a secret. An art expert who can expose him. An attraction neither of them can deny.
 
Alice Donnelly prefers paintings of medieval people to actual people, and classical art to the nonsense coming from contemporary artists. She also has a healthy disdain for the rich and ignorant who hire her to curate their collections, obsessed with valuing their financial worth without ever understanding the art. But her family depends on her paychecks, and so she reluctantly accepts a commission to assess the collection of one of Britain's most venerable aristocratic families.
When she meets the handsome and charismatic Geoffrey on her flight to London, she makes it clear she's immune to his charms. She has no time for romance. Not when she's starting the biggest job of her career.

Except it turns out that it's Geoffrey's family who has hired her, and now she must spend all her working hours trying not to fall for his charms. But much like a master painting, Geoffrey's layers draw her in against her better judgment.

As Geoffrey's secrets unravel, can Alice trust the privileged aristocrat with an artist's soul to see past her own baggage? Or is she just another way for him to rebel against his family?

My Review

First of all, isn't that the cutest cover?? I'm an art major so I enjoyed the plot and details about curating and discovering masterpieces. The setting in England was my fave! I traveled abroad for the first time last summer and now I enjoy books with European settings even more. The meet-cute seemed too coincidental for me, but it made for a fun setup as Alice and Geoffrey embark on restoring his family's financial situation and saving the estate. For some reason the chemistry fell flat for me- I think it had to do with not enough anticipation and romantic tension. There was also more telling than showing when it came to analyzing and reassessing their feelings for each other. Overall it was a pleasant diversion to read and see how the complicated family dynamics throw wrenches into both their relationship and professional goals.

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

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Be sure to check out the other books in the ABC's of Love series . . .

Review: Romancing the Rake by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Lady Sophronia Sorrow considers herself an unlikely heroine. Why, just her name alone proves this. Sophronia Sorrow sounds like a girl from a gothic penny novel—the foolish miss who falls prey to a rake and becomes an object lesson for the true heroine to avoid. No, despite her mawkish name, Sophie refuses to spend her life invisible and unwanted, relegated to the margin of the text. Despite her eccentric, bluestocking ways, there must be a place where she is wanted. If only she could uncover the identity of her natural father, perhaps she would belong there?

But one thing Sophie knows for sure—unlike that foolhardy miss in a novel, she will not succumb to a rake. No matter how thoroughly the rakish Lord Rafe Gilbert may tempt her.

Lord Rafe Gilbert longs for freedom—freedom from his controlling father, freedom to live his life as he chooses. He knows playing the rake keeps his autocratic father in check, but Rafe longs to determine his own destiny. Case in point, he fell in love with Lady Sophie years ago, but his father’s threats and his mother’s health prevent him from pursuing Lady Sophie in earnest. So when Fate thrusts Sophie into his path, Rafe knows he must turn her away and distance himself. But doing the right thing has never been so impossibly difficult.

Sophie and Rafe soon find themselves on a journey together from London to a castle in the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, can two kindred souls heal from past hurts and seize a second chance to write a love story of their own?

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed Sophie and her frank bluestocking mannerisms! Her scientific categorization of members of society and the way she studies and interprets their behavior was hilarious. She and Rafe have amazing chemistry, and he adores her eccentricities. The unfairness and injustice that keeps them apart is difficult to swallow, but important lessons are learned as they each passed through their own refiner's fire. Sophie especially had wisdom for Rafe that helped him finally overcome his anger and find inner peace. Their journey together was exciting as they came to know each other again, but this time at a much deeper level, and long-held family secrets are finally revealed. The sense of mystery and suspense propelled the plot forward and the way history wove their two families together was surprising. There is also an overarching mystery of the shipwreck in Rafe's past that connects all the books together. I'm loving this series and can't wait for more!

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

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Don't miss the first book in the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series . . .

Romance is in the Air Giveaway Hop!

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm giving away an ARC copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd! Enter in the Rafflecoptor below and then check out the other giveaways on the hop!

Synopsis

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

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Blog Blitz & Excerpt: Looks Like Love by Brandy Bruce

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Looks Like Love by Brandy Bruce, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Looks Like Love
Author: Brandy Bruce
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Re-release Date: November 13, 2019

After a devastating break-up, Kasey Addison needs to rediscover life and love. She starts by taking a whirlwind trip to London to visit her best friend. When she returns, she’s given a new assignment at the advertising firm where she works. The cosmetics company they represent is releasing a special fragrance called Love. Kasey is tasked with finding out exactly what love looks like and how to sell it.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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EXCERPT

I stopped for a second and turned back to look at the huge stones. I silently told myself that I was really in England. I’d flown over the ocean. I was spending time with Amanda. I was standing at Stonehenge, absorbing the mysteries of history.

Lincoln’s words from the night before ran through my mind again. And as the cold wind blew over me, I started to believe those words. I believed that God was near to me. And for all the years I’d believed in God and held fast to my faith, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d truly felt close to Him.

My eyes watered from the wind, or maybe it was the cold—or maybe from my emotion. Whatever it was, the realization that I’d missed feeling close to God welled up in me. Along with a renewed hope that just maybe there was more in store for my life, too.

I had a strong suspicion that I was, at that very minute, having a significant moment in my life. A tiny corner of my heart whispered to me that if Riley hadn’t broken my heart, I wouldn’t have been experiencing any of this. Of course, if I’d had to choose between new life experiences and Riley—I would have chosen Riley.

But fate hadn’t given me a choice when it came to Riley.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandy Bruce is a writer, a book editor, a mom, a wife, and someone who really loves dessert! She’s the author of the award-winning novel The Last Summer, Looks Like Love, After the Rain, and The Romano Family Collection. Brandy, her husband, and their children make their home in Virginia.

CONNECT WITH BRANDY: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Visit the landing post at JustRead Tours!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review & Giveaway: The Winter Companion by Mimi Matthews #TheWinterCompanion #MimiMatthews #HFVBTBlogTours

The Winter Companion by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: February 11, 2020

Perfectly Proper Press

Series: Parish Orphans of Devon, Book Four

Genre: Historical Romance

A winter reunion for the orphans brings romance for Neville Cross in Book 4 of Mimi Matthews' USA Today bestselling Parish Orphans of Devon series.  

She Needed to be Seen...

As a lady's companion, Clara Hartwright never receives much attention from anyone. And that's precisely how she likes it. With a stormy past, and an unconventional plan for her future, it's far safer to remain invisible. But when her new employer is invited to a month-long holiday at a remote coastal abbey, Clara discovers that she may not be as invisible as she'd hoped. At least, not as far as one gentleman is concerned.  

He Wanted to be Heard...

Neville Cross has always been more comfortable with animals than people. An accident in his youth has left him with a brain injury that affects his speech. Forming the words to speak to his childhood friends is difficult enough. Finding the right things to say to a lovely young lady's companion seems downright impossible. But Miss Hartwright is no ordinary companion. In fact, there may not be anything ordinary about her at all. During a bleak Devon winter, two sensitive souls forge an unexpected friendship. But when Clara needs him most, will Neville find the courage to face his fears? Or is saying goodbye to her the most heroic thing he can do?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

My Review

5 stars / It was amazing

This author has such a skill at bringing her characters to life! I always pitied Neville in the previous books because of his limitations, but what he really needed was a champion- Clara sees him for who he really is and knows that he is capable. I loved being able to get into his head and seeing just how much he comprehends and what the effects of his head injury really were. Their friendship and romance is just so, so sweet! I have a soft spot for the strong silent type, and Clara's individuality and acceptance of him made them a perfect match. There is a bit of a mysterious subplot throughout the book that provides the impetus for the climax, and it was just right for this gentle romance with three-dimensional characters. It was also fun to revisit the couples from the previous books in the series, and it was an absolute joy to end this wonderful series with such a strong finish. Highly recommend all the books in the Parish Orphans of Devon series!

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


Praise for the Parish Orphans of Devon series

"For this impressive Victorian romance, Matthews crafts a tale that sparkles with chemistry and impresses with strong character development... an excellent series launch that will appeal to fans of Loretta Chase and Stephanie Laurens." -Publishers Weekly (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

"Matthews has a knack for creating slow-building chemistry and an intriguing plot with a social history twist." -Library Journal (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

"As always, Matthews' attention to historical accuracy is impeccable." -Kirkus Reviews (A Modest Independence)

"Mimi Matthews is an exceptional story-teller." -Passages to the Past (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

"Matthews is a bright, shining star in historical romance..." -Austenprose (A Modest Independence)

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews (A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty, The Matrimonial Advertisement) writes both historical non-fiction and traditional historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated weekly at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats. For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews’ website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads.


Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, February 11
Review at Bookish Rantings
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit  
Wednesday, February 12
Review at Rose is Reading
Review at Amy's Booket List
Review & Interview at The Green Mockingbird  
Thursday, February 13
Review at Heidi Reads...
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Review at Lost in a Book Reviewer  
Friday, February 14
Review at Bookish Bellee
Review at Historical Graffiti
Review at Library of Clean Reads
Feature at View from the Birdhouse  
Saturday, February 15
Feature at YA, It's Lit
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Interview at Donna's Book Blog  
Sunday, February 16
Review at Passages to the Past  
Monday, February 17
Review at Robin Loves Reading  
Tuesday, February 18
Review at The Lit B****

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a signed copy of The Winter Companion! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Paperback giveaway is to the US only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Winter Companion

 

Review: The Solid Grounds Coffee Company by Carla Laureano

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Analyn Sanchez can handle the long hours and arrogant clients that come with her job as a crisis management associate at Denver's largest publicity firm. The high-powered job, expensive condo, and designer wardrobe are all part of her plan to prove to her family that her life choices haven't been in vain. But when she's asked to cover up a client's misdeeds with serious moral and legal ramifications, she can no longer sacrifice her conscience for her career . . . and the cost is no less than her job.

Ever since a devastating climbing accident in South America eight months ago, and a bad decision that dried up his sponsorships, professional rock climber Bryan Shaw has found himself at similar loose ends. When the opportunity to buy a coffee farm in Colombia arises, he jumps on it--only to discover his wandering ways have left him utterly unprepared to run a business.

When Bryan returns home and offers Ana a role in his company as a solution to both their problems, she's desperate enough to consider working with the far-too-flippant and far-too-handsome climber, even though he's the polar opposite of her type A nature. As they delve deeper into the business, however, she begins to suspect there's much more to Bryan than she's given him credit for . . . and that sometimes the best plans are the ones you never see coming.

My Review

I loved getting to know Ana and Bryan since they were both enigmatic in the previous books. I was impressed/intimidated by Ana's intense work ethic- with her list making, exercising, and productivity. I can in no way relate, but it was fascinating to see what made her tick. I was surprised by some of the secrets that were revealed about her throughout the book. It was wonderful to experience more of her friendship with Rachel and Melody, especially as they prepared for Rachel's wedding.

The book actually starts our from Bryan's perspective and experience climbing in Colombia, and I have to say I didn't much care for him, but that only allowed him to grow on me as I saw how he changed after he returns to Denver. It was interesting that the author chose not to show the time where he had his "come to Jesus" moments, and instead it was like the reader was seeing him and judging him the way his friends and family were in Denver- based on what they knew of him in the past, while getting an idea that his new choices are reflecting something different about him. I appreciated that as the book went on more layers were revealed about his true character and what led him to make the decisions he did in the past, as well as the influences that prompted such a drastic change in him.

I'm not a coffee drinker so the intricacies of the roasting of the beans was lost on me, but I liked  the camaraderie that built between Ana and Bryan as they worked together to build the company. The emotion in the book was focused more on the changes in Ana and Bryan's lives rather than on the romance, and I felt the chemistry was a little flat, but I really enjoyed getting to know the characters for themselves and seeing how letting go of the past gave them the freedom and peace they needed.

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

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Don't miss the previous books in the Supper Club series . . .

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Always the One by Tara Randel #AlwaysPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Always the One

(Meet Me at the Altar #4)
By Tara Randel

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

February 4th 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

From USA TODAY bestselling author Tara Randel

She’s the love of his life… but is he still hers?

FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.

Affiliate link included.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Harlequin

Excerpt

Shaking off the cold, he scanned the parking lot. Fewer students were arriving now that the last bell was about to ring before classes. A gray sedan pulled into a slot and Hannah emerged from the car, wearing the same coat as yesterday. She zigzagged through the cars as she hurried up the sidewalk to the main door. She stopped abruptly when she saw him.

“Good morning, Miss Rawley.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Working.”

“You have a job.”

“Yep. Security officer at Ponderosa Day School.”

“No,” she glanced around and stage whispered, “with the FBI.”

“I told you I wasn’t leaving until I get the entire truth out of you.” He held out his hand to shake. “Derrick Fields. Additional help until the new security system here is in full working order.”

She barely contained an eye roll.

He wanted to laugh, but couldn’t. Apparently she’d forgotten how tenacious he could be. There were holes in her story, which he was desperate to fill in. And her father leaving? Why would he do that? From what Derrick could remember, he’d doted on his wife and daughter. There was more she hadn’t revealed and he was the guy to get to the bottom of things.

And then there was the boyfriend issue. Or fiancé? He glanced down to find a bright, shiny diamond on Hannah’s ring finger. His heart lurched. Yeah, he hadn’t quite decided how to react to that piece of news.

“You’re unbelievable,” she muttered through clenched teeth.

“So I’ve been told.”

She blew out a breath. “Derrick, you can’t stay here.” She looked down at her finger. “It’s complicated.”

“You keep telling me that, but, put simply, I want to help.”

She met his gaze, heat flashing in her eyes. “No one asked you.”

He shrugged. “Never stopped me from inserting myself anyway.”

“Fine. Suit yourself.”

As she passed by, he fell into step beside her. “Hannah, you have the look of a woman who has too much on her plate.  Even though you think I’m where I don’t belong or I’m a huge inconvenience, please let me hang around for a while to assure myself you’re okay. Is that too much to ask?”

They stood in the bright sunlight, eyes locked. Yesterday when his vision had been blurry, he’d missed the smattering of freckles scattered over her nose and cheeks. Standing this close reminded him of the times they would disagree and have a silent standoff until one of them conceded. The bell rang again and she blinked.

“I need to get to my students,” she said, sweeping past him to enter the building.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

Prize #1: Signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet, The Lawman’s Secret Vow, tote bag and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)

Prize #2: $25 Amazon e-Gift Card (Open Internationally)

Ends February 19, 2020

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