Review: Pause by Taylor Dean

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Marin and Blu, a lifetime for two.

Such a cute rhyme for our wedding invitations. Until my wedding day didn’t happen.

I felt sure my life was over and there was nothing left for me except heartache and loneliness. I had a lot to learn. About life, love, and loss.

When I heard Blu took off on our honeymoon trip by himself, I decided to make an escape as well. I needed to pause my life, take time to heal. Breathe. Laugh. Feel the sun on my skin.

Marin and Blu, boo hoo.

I wasn’t expecting to meet Slade Sheridan on the heels of losing the false love of my life. He erased my grief and drew a picture-perfect future of us together. I thought I knew love. Turns out, we’d never even met before. Until now.

Blu who?

But when Blu makes a reappearance, my hasty actions threaten to destroy my new love. I know which man is the one for me. I have a new rhyme planned for my life.

Marin Sheridan.

Slade’s the one for me.

Right?

My Review

Poor Marin! She is blindsided by Blu's sudden abandonment, and encouraged by her support system of family and friends to take some time off for herself to grieve. She breaks down in front of a cute inn- wedding dress, streaked mascara, and all, and is rescued by Slade, who is too good to be true! I appreciated how they took their relationship slowly, keeping in mind the trauma Marin is recovering from. They are so sweet and fun together, and I absolutely loved it as they built a foundation for their romance. Marin feels things so intensely, but as much as Slade helped her heal and experience a different kind of relationship (fun and caring), and she did her best to not bury her emotions about being left at the altar... her resentment towards Blu comes raging back at the most inopportune moment. A lovely angsty romance with a strong supporting cast and amazing setting!

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.

Review: Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean

Book Three in the Sound of Silence series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart. I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever.

Until it wasn’t.

He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it.

But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world.

Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence.

I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly.

To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less.

However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us.

The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart.

Absolutely nothing.

My Review

This series has ALL THE FEELS! I love the emotion and passion the characters feel and how the author draws me into their world. As soon as I finished Hothouse Flower I went back and re-read the first book in the series, Stone Silence. I gave each book in the series 5 stars and I recommend reading them in order.

I thought I knew what this book would be about, but the author managed to surprise me and incorporated a twist that was completely unexpected and brought a sense of vulnerability and determination. Shay has a difficult past that has given her trust issues, and having Jace back in her life since they are now connected by siblings' marriages has her repressed and unresolved emotions in upheaval. Jace has his own secrets, but I admired how upfront he is with Shay about his feelings for her. There is plenty of tension and angst as they learn to communicate again and the difficult past and secrets come to light, and the chemistry between them is both sweet and strong. It was wonderful to see them come together like puzzle pieces once there is nothing more coming between them, and the way they supported and fought for each other.

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

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Check out the other books in the Sound of Silence series . . .
(The author recommends reading them in order)

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Book Two

Read my 5 star review here

Review: Heart Thief by Taylor Dean

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

I was warned about him. I should've listened. But I didn't.

Of course, I also thought Ryker Martel was about to propose.

He didn't.

I was ready to say yes.

He was ready to wait a little longer.

Now he's out of the country on an extended business trip and I'm staying in his penthouse apartment with seeds of disillusionment taking over my soul.

Ryker reminded me that his estranged brother might show up out of the blue at his penthouse. He told me to let him know right away if he did. He'd take care of it.

His brother is bad news. The rebel, the black sheep of the family.

"Don't trust him," Ryker said. "Stay as far away from him as possible. He's a thief, a snake."

Warning duly noted.

And ignored.

I considered myself equipped to handle whatever was thrown my way. I was wrong.

Nothing prepared me for Zane and the havoc he would wreak in my life--and in my heart. He turned me upside down and knocked me sideways.

Falling for the other brother is never a good idea. Keeping it a secret, even worse.

Especially when he proves to be the thief he was purported to be.

My heart will never be mine again and I want it back.

But it has been stolen and I'll never be the same.

Never.

My Review

Oooh, this story really brought out all the feels! I love when I'm experiencing the emotions of the characters, especially when they have such great chemistry and an interesting story to go along. The family dynamics were complicated and provided the conflict in the unexpected romance Mila finds herself in the middle of. The contrast between the brothers was stark, and as layers are peeled back and revealed, I was drawn in more and more as the story increased in intensity. This is one of those books that you just can't put down, with plenty of angst, the thrill of new love, and the personal difficulties that the characters struggle through and you just want to tell them, "You're not alone!" Overall, this is one of the standout books I've read this year and plan to definitely re-read it again in the future!

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

#RomanceIsInTheAir - Author Taylor Dean, Freebie & Giveaway

 

   

A Me and You Thing by Taylor Dean  

THE DEEPEST HEARTACHE IS THE ONE YOU DON'T SEE COMING. 

Golden couple, Sawyer and Quinn Denali, have an amazing love story. A match in every way, their happiness is evident to all who spend time with them. The arrival of twin baby girls completes their picture-perfect family. 

When Quinn has the opportunity to help others on a two-week volunteer trip, she reluctantly leaves her family, knowing a short break from the demands of motherhood will be good for her. She doesn't expect the trip to change her life forever. But it does. It changes everything. 

Struggling from day to day, the young family moves forward, finding happiness . . . and love. 

But fate isn't done mixing things up in their lives. When an unexpected event leaves them all reeling, the unspoken question rings loudly and can't be ignored: "What happens now?" 

A Me and You Thing is a novel that explores the strength of enduring love and friendship.

    

 

He lightly brushes my lips with his own, and I scoot a little closer. Mmmmmm, five years of marriage and my attraction for this man has never waned. I never knew I could love someone so much. Even better, he feels the same about me. We’re far from perfect, yet we’re a perfect match for each other.

Frankly, that’s as perfect as love gets.

I bury my head in his warm chest, listening to the sound of his strong heartbeat. He hasn’t let himself go since we married. He runs every morning at unspeakable hours and, like a fine bottle of wine, ripens with age.

“Are you sure I should go on my trip? I’m consumed with guilt every time I think about it.”

I love our life together in our shingle-style two-story beach house on 5201 Beachcomber Lane. It’s a decent size home, even if it’s a little on the older side. No matter, I adore it. It might not be directly on the beach, but we have amazing ocean views from the second story. Close enough.

“You’ll be doing something important, Quinn, something that really matters. I love you for wanting to go, for wanting to help. Your passport arrived yesterday. See, it’s a sign. The universe just sent you a telegram.”

A light scoff emerges from me. He runs his hands through my longish blond hair. My brown eyes close while I enjoy his tender touch.

“What was I thinking? I don’t want to leave you or our babies.”

“Hey, it’s only two weeks, sweetheart. In the scheme of things, that’s hardly any time at all . . .”

  

     

     

     

Author Taylor Dean 

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it's paranormal, contemporary, or suspense--you'll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.   

  

     

  

   

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/29/19 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

New Release & Giveaway: A Me and You Thing by Taylor Dean

   

A Me and You Thing by Taylor Dean

 THE DEEPEST HEARTACHE IS THE ONE YOU DON'T SEE COMING. 

Golden couple, Sawyer and Quinn Denali, have an amazing love story. A match in every way, their happiness is evident to all who spend time with them. The arrival of twin baby girls completes their picture-perfect family. When Quinn has the opportunity to help others on a two-week volunteer trip, she reluctantly leaves her family, knowing a short break from the demands of motherhood will be good for her. She doesn’t expect the trip to change her life forever. But it does. It changes everything. Struggling from day to day, the young family moves forward, finding happiness . . . and love. But fate isn’t done mixing things up in their lives. When an unexpected event leaves them all reeling, the unspoken question rings loudly and can’t be ignored: “What happens now?” 

A Me and You Thing is a novel that explores the strength of enduring love and friendship. 

 

   

Praise for A Me and You Thing: 

Wow! This heart-tugging romance blew me away. It’s an emotional roller-coaster ride of epic proportions…so prepare yourself. My heart soared up into the heavens, then was dragged into the bitter misery of hell, like being dragged behind a pickup truck for a mile or so. Ouch! But I got my happy (actually, glorious!) ending, so I loved it. The ending was so much more fulfilling because of what my heart went through to get there with the characters. This story is unique and refreshing—not your run-of-the-mill predictable romance that doesn’t stick with you when you finish. No! This one is made of super glue, and will be stuck in your heart forevermore. ~Author Charissa Stastny 

Here's my recommendation. Don't read the summary. Don't read any more reviews. Order this book now! Clear your calendar and plan to spend the day reading. You'll be thanking me if you do. ~Kathy Habel  

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up. 

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter

   

Release Day Giveaway Details $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/28/18 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. 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway