Review: Love Me Tender, Love Me True by Lucinda Whitney

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Can an Elvis-obsessed puppy-sitter and an uptight museum owner tackle a summer bucket list without falling in love?

When Juliana Romano agrees to dogsit a puppy in Hudson Springs, New York, she hopes it will help her forget the painful memories she left behind in Portugal. Then she finds a stranger skinny-dipping in the pool and she calls the cops on him, only to discover he owns the house and she’s the intruder. He agrees to let her stay and continue her puppy-sitting job—as long as she keeps to herself. At the suggestion of family friends, Juliana makes a summer bucket-list, knowing it’s the distraction she needs before she goes home.

Matt Garrison is home for the summer after failing to secure funding for the museum he owns. Forced to close for the foreseeable future, he only wants to be left alone to research plans for reopening. But sharing his house with a Portuguese woman and a puppy is the farthest from peace and quiet he can get—between her early morning obsession with Elvis Presley music, the puppy’s chewing of his belongings, and the meddling of old ladies, Matt finds himself smothered in company.

As Matt reluctantly joins Juliana in carrying out the items on her list, he realizes his first impression of her is all wrong. The more time Juliana spends with Matt, the less interested she is to return home. Is the attraction they feel only temporary or are they willing to work for a happy-ever-after?

Love Me Tender, Love Me True is a small-town, opposites-attract, forced proximity sweet romance with an HEA ending.

 

If you like sweet romance stories set in a small town, with a reluctant hero, a spunky heroine, and an adorable rescue puppy, you'll love this fresh take on a romantic classic!
 

Welcome to Hudson Springs, New York, where the neighbors always meddle and love is just around the corner! Unforgettable stories of new beginnings, second chances, and found family. Perfect for fans of Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, and Chesapeake Shores!

My Review

This is a fun novella in the My Funny Valentine Romantic Comedy Collection with a hilariously awkward meet-cute! I loved the way Matt and Juliana slowly get to know each other, even though the dialogue is a bit stilted. Juliana is a pleasant person and totally devoted to her puppy-sitting charge. I was surprised at the amount of time she spends playing with and entertaining the dog, but since it's her job to train him it was impressive. Juliana is related to characters from the author's Romano family series, and I love that Juliana could turn to her cousins in her time of need. 

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.

Spotlight: Protecting the Princess by Lucinda Whitney

Synopsis

She's a princess doubting the rules of royalty. He's the bodyguard tasked with keeping her in line. Will a relationship destroy both of their goals?

Princess Emma Somerset struggles to find purpose and fulfillment in her life. With her brother and cousins all married and in their new roles, she’s the only one left at the palace. When Queen Nicolette, her aunt, asks Emma to undertake a trip to the north as a good-will ambassador, she agrees, despite her lack of experience.

Ryan Sterling is a new protection officer for the royal house of Durham. He has aspirations for a high-profile assignment, but when Princess Emma’s long-time female bodyguard is injured a week before departure, he’s called to replace her. Now he’s stuck babysitting a spoiled princess instead of proving his worth to advance his career.

After floods strand Emma and Ryan in the remote countryside during the trip, their fledgling friendship slowly turns into something more. But is a new relationship between them doomed to fail when they return to the palace?

Don't miss the other books in the Royal Secrets Romance series . . .

 

Review: Marry Me at Dawn by Lucinda Whitney

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He’s afraid of commitment. She yearns for a family of her own. How can they turn a marriage of convenience into happily-ever-after?

To Damian Vaughn, image is everything. As CEO of the family business and heir to a fortune, he lives his life above reproach, not wanting to repeat his father’s mistakes that almost brought the company to ruin.

Gabriela Romano has discovered she’ll never be able to bear children. Distraught and still recovering from surgery, she leaves for an extended vacation in the Azores Islands, far away from her family’s prying eyes and the constant reminders of what she’ll never have.

When social services drop off a baby they say legally belongs to Damian, he knows it’s not true, but the media will be quick to judge if the news leaks. Desperate to avoid a disaster, he takes his lawyer’s drastic suggestion and proposes to Gabriela, a woman he’s just met. She has her own reasons for accepting, and as long as she guards her heart, she’s confident she’ll be fine.

But as sparks start to fly, Gabriela begins to wonder—how can she turn this marriage of convenience into her happily-ever-after?

My Review

It can be difficult to pull off a modern marriage of convenience story since there are so many resources nowadays and marriage isn't really viewed as viable solution in today's society. Once I turned off my they-should-have-just-done-this thinking, I loved the story and the way Damian and Gabriela interacted and bonded over his daughter. I think if they had known each other just a little more prior, I wouldn't have had to suspend my disbelief. Anyway, the mystery of who Claire's father is as well as the blossoming romance with the right amount of tension kept me reading and it was lovely to escape into the settings of Portugal, New York City, and an estate in the country. The lives of Gabriela and Damian revolve around Claire and her schedule, which is totally realistic of a new baby. I liked getting to know Damian's mother and grandmother, and seeing the way Gabriela fit naturally into their lives. Some intrigue comes into play with Damian's public persona and company, and there is a surprising twist that I did not anticipate. A strong and enjoyable conclusion to the Romano family series!

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

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The Romano Family series follows the stories of the Romano cousins of northern Portugal as they find love and their Happily-Ever-Afters. Each book may be read as a stand-alone. 

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: Kiss Me at Midnight by Lucinda Whitney

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

She’s a single mom holding on to her job. He’s a career man focused on his business. Can they put the past behind them in order to build a future together?

When Filipe Romano arrives at the SoliMar beach resort, his newest acquisition, he plans to complete renovations quickly before moving on to his next property. But a stumbling block arises when he discovers Celeste, the sister of his deceased best friend, is an employee at the resort’s aquarium, which he intends to sell. To complicate matters more, he has unresolved feelings for Celeste and blames himself for the accident that killed her brother.

Celeste Ferreira, a stressed single mom, needs a miracle. Without any prospects or means to start over, she clings to the job she loves as aquarist at the SoliMar Aquarium. After she discovers the new owner is Filipe, an old family friend, their history makes it hard for Celeste to trust him, especially with her position in peril.

Though closing down the aquarium makes good financial sense, Filipe finds himself reluctant to disappoint Celeste and decides to help her with the repairs for the upcoming inspection. But is working side by side enough to forget the past and build a new future, or is the pain between them too deep to move on?

My Review

This was a great second chance romance- well, more like a rekindled friendship that turned into more. The characters were so likeable and I really enjoyed their relationship as they quickly got to know each other again. I didn't feel connected to their emotions, but the story was compelling and kept me reading. The setting is lovely and I always appreciate the way the author makes me feel like I am visiting the beautiful locations. There are strong themes that are explored such as forgiveness, trust, grief, and hope. There is some conflict brought into the story with resentment from one of Celete's coworkers and her unreliable ex-husband. I wish we had gotten a little more closure about why the coworker was so vindictive, but that's kind of like life- we don't always get all the answers. I was pleased with Celeste and Filipe's happy ending and another wonderful story in the Romano family series.

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

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The Romano Family series follows the stories of the Romano cousins of northern Portugal as they find love and their Happily-Ever-Afters.

Current books in the Romano Family series:

- Book 1- Hold Me At Twilight
- Book 2- Meet Me At Sunrise
- Book 3- Love Me At Sunset
- Book 4- Keep Me At Christmas
- Book 5- Kiss Me At Midnight
- Book 6- Marry Me At Dawn (coming soon)

Review: Keep Me At Christmas by Lucinda Whitney

Book Four in the Romano Family series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Can the magic of the season keep them together beyond Christmas?

When Luciana Romano arrives in Hudson Springs, New York, her plan is to complete her restoration job at the museum so she can return home to her family right after Christmas. But a blizzard grounds all flights, and she finds herself stranded. The DiLorenzo family offers her a place to stay, and she accepts their hospitality. But the unexpected attraction between her and the quiet, good-looking son makes it hard to want to leave.

Jack DiLorenzo is stuck. Managing the family’s Italian café is not what he’d planned to do with his life, but his sense of duty won’t let him quit. When his grandmother invites a Portuguese woman to stay with them, Jack feels something he hasn’t felt for a long time: hope. He knows he shouldn’t get close to Luciana since she’s leaving as soon as the airport opens, but he can’t help himself.

Yet as the magic of the season begins to work on them, he wonders how he can let go of the woman who’s awakened his heart.

My Review

So many of the details I loved in this book! I always enjoy the foreign perspective from Portugal that this author provides in at least one of her main characters. As an art major I appreciated Luciana's love for textiles and learning about the restoration process for some pieces for the exhibition she was in charge of. The food was an important element in the book and really brought the setting to life. Even though Luciana is struggling a bit and wants a brief escape from her family, she has a naturally optimistic personality which I loved. She brings light into Jack's mundane life and her presence helps him realize what it is that he's missing in his life. I enjoyed watching these two lovely people grow closer together and work out their plans for the future in the midst of the Christmas season. There is a strong sense of family loyalty and it made the book a cozy read.

(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 Romano Family series . . .

The Romano Family series follows the stories of the Romano cousins of northern Portugal as they find love and their Happily-Ever-Afters.  

Book One

Synopsis

 Love might have a chance… if her family stays out of it.

When Knox Campbell goes to Portugal for a short business trip, he never planned on losing his documents. Now he’s stranded in Porto, his passport lost, and his credit cards canceled. Knox turns to the travel agent who suggested the local day attractions for assistance.

Jacinta Romano loves helping her clients set up their dream trips, although she doesn’t usually meet the ones visiting from abroad. But all that changes when a client shows up at the agency while her meddling family are still there. They latch on to him immediately, insisting Jacinta bring him home while he’s stranded. Thankfully, he’s only staying until his new passport arrives and after two weeks of playing hostess, she’ll be glad to send him on his way.

Or will she?

 Book Two

Synopsis

Between a bad breakup and a rocky relationship with her overbearing father, twenty-three-year-old Vanessa Clark has a history of being disappointed by the men in her life. So when her long-lost grandfather reenters the scene and persuades her to tour northern Portugal on one of his river cruise ships, Vanessa boards the vessel looking for answers about her estranged family, not looking for love.

Captain Matias Romano has enough to worry about without having to babysit his boss’s spoiled American granddaughter, no matter how good-looking and wealthy she is. First the issue with the refrigerators, and now the ship's computers are malfunctioning—he’ll be relieved when this trip is over and he can get back to business as usual.

But as Matias plays tour guide on Vanessa’s excursions and they work together to investigate a series of suspicious accidents aboard, they both realize there’s more to the other than first impressions.

Can Vanessa work through her complicated past to make room for Matias in her future, or will they pass like ships in the night?

Book Three

Synopsis

An ex-con reforming his life. A pregnant widow hiding her past. Will the price of her secrets cost her his love?

Catarina Romano has lost everything: her husband, her house, her lifestyle. She flees to her cousin’s empty manor in the heart of Portugal, trying to find peace and to hide from the scandal spun by the media, only to discover she is pregnant.

Afonso Cortez is done with all the lies. Fresh out of prison for trusting the wrong person, he’s ready to leave the past behind and look ahead to new opportunities. The remote Sunset Manor, in need of a groundskeeper, is the perfect solution, promising to provide Afonso with the solitude he craves while he restores the grounds to their former glory.

Catarina avoids Afonso at first, not wanting to further complicate her life. But Afonso is intriguing, and she feels drawn to him. If only she didn’t feel guilty for all the secrets she’s keeping from him.

When suspicious accidents start occurring at the property, Afonso believes his past is catching up with him. Will he be able to protect Catarina or will he lose the woman who might restore his belief in love?

Book Five

(coming August 2018)

Synopsis  

When Filipe Romano arrives at the SoliMar beach resort, his newest acquisition, he plans to complete renovations quickly before moving on to his next property. But a stumbling block arises when he discovers Celeste, the sister of his deceased best friend, is an employee at the resort’s aquarium, which he intends to sell. To complicate matters more, he has unresolved feelings for Celeste and blames himself for the accident that killed her brother.

Celeste Ferreira, a stressed single mom, needs a miracle. Without any prospects or means to start over, she clings to the job she loves as aquarist at the SoliMar Aquarium. After she discovers the new owner is Filipe, an old family friend, their history makes it hard for Celeste to trust him, especially with her position in peril.

Though closing down the aquarium makes good financial sense, Filipe finds himself reluctant to disappoint Celeste and decides to help her with the repairs for the upcoming inspection. But is working side by side enough to forget the past and build a new future, or is the pain between them too deep to move on?