Review: Crosscheck by Rebecca Connolly, Heather B. Moore, Sophia Summers

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

He’s a hard hitter, she’s a straight shooter. Can they stop the sparks from flying? Do they want to?

Zane Winchester is a beast on the ice, known for racking up penalties and delivering hard blows. No one would suspect the complicated nature of his personal life, or just what it entailed. And no one, not even him, would have suspected what one unexpected encounter with a remarkable woman would do to his life.

Mara Matthews is a regular woman with a regular job and a regular life. Then she meets the father of one of her little students, and regular becomes the last word to describe her life. Zane is intense, funny, charming, and drop dead gorgeous; he shouldn’t pay any attention to someone like her. But Zane isn’t giving up, and Mara doesn’t want him to.

My Review

Another favorite in the Northbrook Hockey Elite series! The chemistry between Zane and Mara is off the charts, and the author skillfully keeps the focus on their feelings and I appreciated the maturity of the characters in controlling their physical attraction in order to strengthen their relationship. Zane is larger than life on and off the ice- known for his aggression in the games, he is a devoted father and friend in life. I loved the natural and realistic development of their friendship and interest in one another, and Zane's adorable daughter Hope allowed the reader to see deeper layers of both the characters. A great balance between romance, hockey, and banter with the other members of the Pit kept the pace steady and swift where it was needed. I'm already looking forward to reading this one again!

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

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Welcome to Northbrook Hockey Elite! 

Six professional hockey players used to play on an elite club team together, but have all separated and now play in the pro-hockey leagues. Not all of them were friends, yet circumstances bring them together, and for the greater good, maybe they can put aside their differences.

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Northbrook Hockey Elite series:

About the Authors

Rebecca Connolly

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

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Heather B. Moore

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance, and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.

Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

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Sophia Summers

Sophia Summers is an award winning author who just wants to relax a little and enjoy a great beach read. She lives in a quiet southern town brimming with an extra dose of hospitality and a

whole lot of charm.

She writes historical romance under a different name. You can follow her on www.sophiasummers.com. Be SURE to join her Newsletter for freebies and fun. 

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Review: Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Back and broke in Stoney Ridge, Jimmy Fisher has coasted as long as he could through life on charm, good looks, and deep-set dimples. They always worked just fine for him--until they didn't. His smile has no effect on the violet-eyed beauty he met at the Bent N' Dent, the one with that stunning horse. She's offered him a job, but nothing else.

The last thing Sylvie Schrock King needs around Rising Star Farm is a grown boy working for her, especially her neighbor Edith's son. The woman holds a serious grudge against Sylvie and her son, and hiring Jimmy Fisher will only fan the flames of Edith's rancor. But Sylvie is desperate for help on the farm, and Jimmy understands horses like no one else.

While Jimmy's lazy smile and teasing ways steal Sylvie's heart, Edith is working on a way to claim her land. Has Sylvie made another terrible mistake? Or is it too late to outfox the fox? More importantly . . . just who is the fox?

My Review

This third book in The Deacon's Family series continues to share the journey of Luke in his role as deacon of the Amish community, assisting the bishop with the concerns and issues in Stoney Ridge. Luke is growing in maturity and confidence, and still has his unique way of looking at things and solving problems. Edith's bitter grudge against Luke's cousin Sylvie was surprising, and it was interesting to learn about the backstory of Sylvie's arrival to the community and how she made a home in a place that Edith coveted deeply. Jimmy's defiance of his mother was hilarious as he chose to work for Sylvie and grew closer to her. I liked their friendship and how they confided in and supported each other. This author has a lovely writing style that brings depth and meaning to the lives of her characters and their struggles that we can all relate to.

(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 Deacon's Family series . . .

Book One

 Book Two

Review: Promised by Leah Garriott

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Margaret Brinton keeps her promises, and the one she is most determined to keep is the promise to protect her heart.

Warwickshire, England, 1812

Fooled by love once before, Margaret vows never to be played the fool again. To keep her vow, she attends a notorious matchmaking party intent on securing the perfect marital match: a union of convenience to someone who could never affect her heart. She discovers a man who exceeds all her hopes in the handsome and obliging rake Mr. Northam.

There’s only one problem. His meddling cousin, Lord Williams, won’t leave Margaret alone. Condescending and high-handed, Lord Williams lectures and insults her. When she refuses to give heed to his counsel, he single-handedly ruins Margaret’s chances for making a good match—to his cousin or anyone else. With no reason to remain at the party, Margaret returns home to discover her father has promised her hand in marriage—to Lord Williams.

Under no condition will Margaret consent to marrying such an odious man. Yet as Lord Williams inserts himself into her everyday life, interrupting her family games and following her on morning walks, winning the good opinion of her siblings and proving himself intelligent and even kind, Margaret is forced to realize that Lord Williams is exactly the type of man she’d hoped to marry before she’d learned how much love hurt. When paths diverge and her time with Lord Williams ends, Margaret is faced with her ultimate choice: keep the promises that protect her or break free of them for one more chance at love. Either way, she fears her heart will lose.

My Review

This book delivered the one thing that makes a story come alive for me- emotion! There are hidden games being played here that ramp up the drama, and Margaret's denial of what will bring her happiness provides her character the opportunity for growth. Lord Williams is a Darcy-esque enigma at first, he has two sides of his personality that Margaret has seen and she doesn't know which is the truth and which is a facade. Knowing who to trust is difficult, especially when Margaret makes her life harder by not trusting those she really can and should. In the midst of the inner turmoil, Margaret finds herself falling in love against her will, only to have the tables turned and twisted around again. This book was highly entertaining and kept me invested in the characters all the way to the end.

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

About the Author

Though she earned degrees in math and statistics, Leah Garriott lives for a good love story. She has resided in Hawaii and Italy, has walked the countryside of England, and owns every mainstream movie version of Pride and Prejudice. She’s currently living her own happily ever after in Utah with her husband and three kids. Leah is represented by Sharon Pelletier at Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Visit the author at www.LeahGarriott.com

Advance Praise/Endorsements:

“Garriott’s impressive debut distinguishes itself with its expertly evoked Regency setting, a cast of realistically flawed yet eminently relatable characters, and a sweetly satisfying love story. Teen fans of Austen-era love stories will fall hard for this impeccably crafted romance.”

-Booklist

“Promising Regency-set debut. Vivid period details and the hero’s grand romantic efforts will please fans of historical romance.”

-Publishers Weekly

Review: Stitches in Time by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Two in The Deacon's Family series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Detachment had worked well as a life strategy for horse trainer Sam Schrock. Until he met Mollie Graber . . .

New to Stoney Ridge, schoolteacher Mollie has come to town for a fresh start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she's the first to raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the dropped stitches in a child's heart and knit them back together.

Mollie envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What the 11-year-old twins bring to her home is anything but. Visits from the sheriff at midnight. Phone calls from the school truancy officer. And then the most humiliating moment of all: the girls accuse Mollie of drug addiction.

There's only one thing that breaks through the girls' hard shell--an interest in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, Sam Schrock gets drawn into Mollie's chaotic life. What he didn't expect was for love to knit together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.

My Review

This book isn't quite what I was expecting but it was wonderful just the same. I was surprised by how much of the story is about Luke (from the previous book Mending Fences) and his new and unexpected role as deacon. I didn't realize how involved that calling is, and that it is a lifetime of service. It was interesting to read so much of the story from a (somewhat obtuse) man's perspective, and especially watch his process of growth from a prodigal son to a leader in the community. The bishop is a wonderful source of wisdom and friendship for Luke as he navigates his way with his new marriage and new calling.

Mollie and Sam are just forming a tentative friendship when Mollie eagerly jumps into fostering two girls from the local group home, who turn out to be the most troublesome of the bunch. Sam does his best to support her while also trying to open her eyes to a more effective way of dealing with the girls' misbehavior. Mollie is a naive optimist, but this experience gave her more than she bargained for, providing opportunities for growth and learning and sacrifice. The shenanigans were at times funny, but grew in seriousness. Sam's influence on both Mollie and the girls was steadying, while Mollie brought light and excitement into his life. I enjoy this author's thoughtful writing style and the way she explores difficult themes with grace.

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

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Don't miss the other books in The Deacon's Family series . . .

Book One

Book Three

Review: Loving Her Fling by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Can her love tame her fling?

Everly King’s life might be on a Plan B track, but she’s perfectly content with her job, her nights out at the movies, and putting her past behind her. She certainly doesn’t need to be reminded over and over that her sister is, well, engaged to Everly’s ex.

Austin Hayes is the architect hired to redesign Everly's beloved theater. As a widower with a young daughter, the last thing he wants is to juggle another relationship.

Thankfully, Austin is only in Hidden Hollows for a few weeks. A fake relationship seems exactly what both need. After all, when it’s just a fling, no one gets hurt. Right?

My Review

I loved this story so much! I read it twice last month. It's going on my list of faves to re-read when I'm not in the mood to start a new book. Everly is lovingly quirky, and her struggles were realistic. She's still grieving her father's death but has a fun weekly tradition of secretly attending the movies at the old theater that her dad used to take her to. Her sister is dating her former best friend/ex-boyfriend who dumped her, and her mother is an overbearing, hovering, worrywart. She loves her family but they don't seem to understand her and her need for space. Austin is genuine and charming, and it was easy to see how these two had such great chemistry. Don't let the book synopsis fool you- their relationship is never fake (although Everly did make up a different man to get her mom off her back), and their friendship quickly develops into a sweet romance that has them both enjoying their time together while concerned about what the future would bring. I appreciated that their relationship is so natural and they bring out the best in each other as they deal with each other's families. Austin has a daughter to consider and his parents who support him in her care. As dynamics become more complex and involved, Everly and Austin's relationship has some tests to withstand. This story is simply delightful and also has the depth of emotion that makes it easy to connect with the characters. Highly recommend!

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

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Second Chance for the Single Dad by Carol Ross #SCSDPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Second Chance for the Single Dad
By Carol Ross
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
March 1st 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’ll save him a dance…

…if he follows his heart.

Dance teacher Camile Wynn has a new student. Reclusive Rhys McGrath is learning to waltz so he can take his orphaned niece to a father-daughter dance. Camile is surprised by her connection with him, but there’s a generous heart behind Rhys’s awkward exterior. When she learns Rhys could lose custody of his niece, Camile goes behind his back to help him…but will her lies end up hurting him instead?

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Excerpt

Two lessons, one dance, Camile reminded herself. Get in, get out, done.

“Good! You got this. Again,” she said.

Rhys repeated the movement.

“Now, this time, don’t stop. Just keep box stepping, and I’ll do it with you.” They performed the movements together with Camile counting and snapping her fingers.

Still moving, she danced around in a half circle until she was facing him, mirroring his steps. “Excellent. And there you have it. Now you’re going to try it with me.”

He stopped in his tracks, brow lines back in full force.

Facing him, Camile patted her left shoulder and instructed, “Right hand here.” He complied, and she ignored how nice the heat of his hand felt as it seeped through the thin fabric of her tank top. “Left arm up.” He obeyed. Silently, she admitted there was something vaguely satisfying about barking orders at him. But this action, the press of his palm against hers, the feel of the work-roughened texture of his skin, her hand enfolded in his, was slightly more difficult to ignore. She told herself it was just the shock of it all, being here with him. Dancing.

“Ah,” he said, tilting his chin toward the floor again. “Now I see why you’re wearing heels.”

“Is that your way of insulting my height?” she joked, breaking her own rule before she could stop herself.

He brought his gaze back up and locked it on to hers, and Camile was a little taken aback by the intensity she saw there. “No. Absolutely not. Why would that be insulting? I’m sorry if you took it that way.”

“Um, it’s—it’s fine,” she stammered. “I was joking. I know I’m short. It would be difficult to forget as the only short person in a family of very tall people. You know, recessive genes or whatever.”

“That would not be the case,” he said. “Height is polygenic. And there are other variables. It’s more quantitative than that. So the term recessive doesn’t apply when it comes to height.”

Camile squinted up at him, trying to decide if he was serious. When he didn’t blink, she said, “I know. At least three genes are involved and like six alleles, right?” Genetics had been one of her favorite premed courses. “Plus, there are nutritional and environmental factors. I wasn’t being literal. I was exaggerating for effect. Making fun of the fact that I drew the short straw in my family.” She added a wink.

Gaze narrowed in on her, he shook his head a couple of times very slowly as if thinking carefully about how to respond.

Embarrassed by her lame joke, she clarified, “That was a bad pun. Sorry.”

When he spoke, his eyes traveled over her while his mouth hinted at a smile. “No, you’re wrong. It was not a bad pun. It was a very good pun. But there’s nothing inferior about your genetic fate. Quite the contrary. Height is also a very subjective preference as far as attractiveness goes. Studies have shown that shorter women with discernible curves are the most symmetrically pleasing. I happen to agree with the consensus.”

Camile stared into his earnest blue eyes and felt her lips part. What the...? Her neck went hot as she tried to wrap her brain around this moment. Obviously, the man was brilliant in a way that resulted in a unique perspective. But the part that had her speechless was the fact that he’d just given her a really lovely compliment. Like, spellbindingly good. And he seemed sincere. Granted, the delivery wasn’t the smoothest, but the meaning was there. It also caught her off guard and made her feel warm in even more surprising ways. Ways she shouldn’t feel. Not with Rhys McGrath, date absconder, social snob and possibly worse, if any of the rumors were true.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of what is now known as free range parents, she developed a love of the outdoors at a very early age. As a writer, Carol loves to breathe the life she has lived into the characters she creates, grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.

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Blitz Giveaway

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a copy of Second Chance for the Single Dad (signed print copy if US/CAN, ebook if international)

Ends March 6, 2020

ENTER HERE