Review: The Kiss That Launched 1,000 Gifs by Sheralyn Pratt

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Each weekday from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Grace and Ashton co-host Battle of the Sexes, a radio program arguing the he-said/she-said issues of the day. Their fiery debates often have listeners wondering if there’s more to their relationship than just talk, even though Grace has been dating Phillip, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Perfect, since long before she ever met Ashton Miller.

Yet when news comes that Battle of the Sexes is on the bubble for cancellation, Grace and Ashton need to step up their efforts to engage their audience to keep the show alive. When a charity organization approaches them and proposes that the two of them kiss for a fund raiser, Grace and Ash agree to kiss for a good cause. A kiss is just a kiss, right?

Or can one kiss really change everything?

My Review

I could not put this book down!!! Another 2:00 am finish for me :) Grace and Ashton are both strong, compelling characters that made me invest in the story from the get go. There is something about the attraction lurking beneath their emotionally-charged banter that takes the chemistry to a new level. They are both maddening at times, but what shines through is the compassion and caring they have not only for the friends and family they are close to, but for their listeners as well. They each take on the role of advocate for social issues in a way that is entertaining yet serious at times. Ashton's teenage niece is my favorite, wise beyond her years and the #1 supporter of an Ashton/Grace romance. The battle over social media is hilarious and there are several times I chuckled while reading. And the kiss... sigh. The lead up creates such anticipation and the description is perfection. From there the story takes a turn I didn't expect but made me desperate to find out what happens next. Highly recommend to fans of contemporary romance!!!

(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: Summer's List by Anita Higman

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Life hadn't been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother's bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love... didn't turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.

Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer's past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

My Review

There's a kind of floating quality to the narrative in this book. It's told mostly from Summer's perspective (with some from Martin's POV), and it's as if she's slightly disconnected from her own experiences. She is not your run-of-the-mill contemporary female, in fact with her slightly formal yet fanciful dialogue, she seems to be from a much earlier era. She and Martin are both described as gentle souls, different from their peers, which is why their friendship is so timeless. I loved how after a twenty year separation, they fell right back into being best friends. The list from her Granny serves as catalyst to reunite them, but I was surprised to find that Martin's dysfunctional siblings and family secrets take center stage with an air of intrigue. Overcoming hurts from the past, forgiveness, grief, and pursuing a fulfilling life purpose are themes that make this a special book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I especially loved the scene with the hot air balloon ride since that's at the top of my own bucket list and it was described so beautifully!

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and River North Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: Picture Perfect Love by Melissa McClone

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day, putting her heart into every wedding to give the couple memorable images of their love. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren't always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. But Jenna has faith that she will find true love. Until then, she must be patient and trust in God's plan and His perfect timing.

Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away. When an embarrassing Photoshopped picture of put an end to his political aspirations, he blamed Jenna. So what if the photo led to his being offered a dream job and changing his life for the better? Jenna betrayed his trust, and two years later, Ashton's heart still hasn't recovered.

It was me. His younger sister's three words turn Ashton's world upside down. He must ask Jenna’s forgiveness, but can he risk his heart a second time? Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

My Review

As a photographer who used to work weddings, this book was right up my alley! I totally connected to Jenna and her creative outlet. I didn't have much sympathy for Ashton in the beginning, but as their relationship began to rekindle I could see how much he missed her and still cared for her. There is a powerful theme of forgiveness which I can always use as an example in my life to do better with. I  enjoyed reading this novella; it's one of the top 5 that I've read in the Year of Weddings novella series.

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Extras

Visit author Melissa McClone's website to enter her blog tour giveaway!

Like Melissa McClone on Facebook! 

Check out the Year of Weddings novellas: Series One / Series Two

E-book sale: $1.99 for Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings

Get the e-book of Caught in the Middle by Regina Jennings for only $1.99! 

I really liked this book- you can read my review here. 

(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

Synopsis

The train to Garber, Texas, is supposed to bring life's next victory to Nicholas Lovelace. Instead, it gets held up by robbers who are thwarted by the last person Nick ever expected--Anne Tillerton from back home in Prairie Lea.

Anne’s been hiding away as a buffalo hunter. She’s only in Garber to find their runaway cook, but the woman flees--leaving Anne with her infant son. With Nick the only person Anne knows in Garber, the two form an unlikely team as they try to figure out what to do with the child.

But being in town means acting and dressing for polite society--and it's not going well for Anne. Meanwhile, Nick's work is bringing new pressures, and being seen with a rough-around-the-edges woman isn't helping his reputation. Caught between their own dreams, a deepening relationship, and others' expectations, can the pair find their way to love?