P.S. I Loathe You by Diane Darcy

P.S. I Loathe You by Diane Darcy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5

I was quickly sucked into this one and couldn't put it down!

Elizabeth and Alexander suffer from an arranged betrothal. Since the day Elizabeth was born it was determined that they she would marry Alexander. One summer, as teens they have a falling out and Lizzie decides she wants out of the engagement. Over the years, they've stayed in contact via letters (I suspect started at the insistence of their parents), while Lizzie is set on ending the engagement, Alexander has fallen in love with Lizzie through her letters and plans on making her his wife. When they're finally reunited after ten years he's ready to take the next step, but Lizzie is not!

I really enjoyed the first half of the book quite a bit, and I did like the second half a lot as well. I consistently liked Alexander, but Lizzie I wanted to shake quite a few times. She really was a brat a few times and I think treated Alexander unfairly. I actually wanted to see her do some chasing. Alexander has the patience of a saint and he truly must have loved Lizzie to go through everything that he did. I did really enjoy the story and thought it was well written and entertaining. It is a standalone story, but part of the Regency Rendezvous series, which I plan on checking out. I did like Alexander's friend Drake and how eventually we'll get a book for him because I'd love to hear more of his story.

Overall, a fun and entertaining Regency. Fun plot, well developed characters and swoony romance!

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: Very mild
Religious: None
Series: Standalone, part of Regency Rendezvous

Source: Amazon Kindle

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The Cowboy's Accidental Bride by Cindy Roland Anderson

The Cowboy's Accidental Bride: Country Brides & Cowboy Boots by Cindy Roland Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super cute!

I dropped everything when I saw Cindy had a new book out! I didn't even bother reading the synopsis, I just dove right in. That's what I love about having favorite authors, you always know you're going to get a great story.

Ruby was such a likable character, very tough and sweet. I loved that although she had a rough upbringing and messy divorce, she was a devoted mother and kept a positive outlook on life. I love being around people like that and reading about characters like that. Tate was also a fun character, very charming and patient. Ruby and Tate have some great chemistry and wow, who knew hugging could be so swoony?! Needless to say, these two have some great chemistry! I really enjoyed their story and watching them fall in love. I have a seven year old daughter, so I could relate so much to the young girls in this book.

Overall, this was a fun read. Well written, swoony romance and a cozy setting with likable characters. All the things I love in a good book.

Content
Romance: Clean, HUGGING! and kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None
Series: Country Brides & Cowboy Boots, stands alone

Source: Kindle Unlimited

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Saving Shadow by Laura Beers

Saving Shadow by Laura Beers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited to try out this debut novel by Laura Beers, it has my favorite regency setting with a fun suspense and isn't that cover awesome!

Lady Elizabeth Beckett is not your typical regency miss, she may be the daughter of a Duke, but is also a spy. Eliza has a close circle of people she actually trusts and takes some time warming up to her new partner, Lord Benedict Sinclair. I enjoyed the idea of Eliza being a spy, which is so not your typical regency heroine. She's good what she does and tries to make the right choices. Eliza and Benedict have good chemistry, and tension. I usually like when the romance is more natural or a little slower building, to where you feel like the H/h have really gotten to know each other and fallen in love. When it happens too quickly, it sometimes looses the believability. But I did think Eliza and Benedict were a good couple and I was rooting for them to get their HEA. The suspense/mystery was well done and kept me interested and wondering how things would all work out.

Regencies purist may have problems with some of the historical details, but overall, I thought this was a fun read and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Beers.

Content
Romance: Clean, mild innuendo and kissing
Language: None
Violence: Mild, talk about kidnapping/prostitution
Series: Beckett Files, Book One

Source: Review Copy


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A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charming!

I really enjoyed this one. I was hooked from the start, Amelia is such a fun heroine and finds herself in embarrassing situations and making endearing faux pas. The former Raeburn Rake, Lord Anthony is captivated by her, and their interactions are so fun. Amelia feels more comfortable with the servants than she does with the ton, and I enjoyed her relationship with them and thought they played a fun role in the story. Anthony was a likable character, I liked that his transformation from was refreshing. It seems so many times in regencies the guy only changes after meeting the heroine (and I have a hard time believing they've actually changed). I liked in this case, he had changed on his own and had been reformed for a few years.

This is a novella and pretty lighthearted, I felt the end wrapped up a tad quickly and would have liked another chapter or two to wrap things up. But overall, was very satisfied with the story and of course loved the characters. A fun regency and one I'd will definitely read again.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: Mild
Series: Hawthorn House, Prequel book

Source: Purchased

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Blog Tour: The Matchmaking Game

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Matchmaking Game

(Timeless Romance Single)
Donna Hatch

Adult Historical Romance

ebook, 126 pages

April 18th 2017 by Mirror Press

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes the Timeless Romance Singles line.

THE MATCHMAKING GAME: A brand new historical romance novella from bestselling author Donna Hatch.

Rowena’s childhood friend, Evan, has returned home from war a handsome, but mysterious stranger. In an effort to bring happiness to her father, not to mention uncover the Evan she remembers from their youth, Rowena seeks to unite their parents. Who better to match a lonely widow and widower together than their adoring children? Her matchmaking game could help their parents find happiness and draw out her childhood friend buried beneath Evan’s new reserve … or it could break more than one heart.

Goodreads│Amazon

My Review
I jumped at the chance to join this tour, I love Donna's books and was looking forward to reading this one. This was a really charming regency, Rowena and Evan have a sweet relationship. They'd been childhood friends and were extremely close. When he goes off to war, they stay in touch through letter writing and the story picks up with his recent return home and him taking over the family estate. His father has passed away, his sister is ill and he feels the responsibility to take care of them. Rowena is full of life and adventure. She brings out Evan's fun side and reminds him of all they good times they had together before the war. I really enjoyed the characters and setting in this book. As always, I was quickly sucked into the story and didn't want to leave. I loved the slow buildup of the romance between these two, and how everything works out. Like I said, its a charming regency that will warm your heart. Very enjoyable.

About the Author

Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty five years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Amazon

Tour Schedule

April 5th: Launch
April 6th: Rockin' Book Reviews & Hearts & Scribbles
April 7th: Bookworm Nation & Zerina Blossom's Books
April 9th: Hardcover Feedback & The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
April 10th: Christy's Cozy Corners & Katie's Clean Book Collection
April 11th: Reading Is My SuperPower & Heidi Reads...
April 12th: Rainy Day Reviews & deal sharing aunt
April 13th: Mel's Shelves & Getting Your Read On
April 14th: Bookworm Lisa & Singing Librarian Books
April 16th: Celticlady's Reviews & Booklove
April 17th: Falling Leaves & Nicole's Book Musings
April 18th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a print copy of Heart Strings by Donna Hatch (US only)

- 1 winner will receive an ebook of Heart Strings by Donna Hatch (open internationally)

- Ends April 22nd

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Statistically Improbably by Jennifer Peel

Statistically Improbable by Jennifer Peel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've been looking forward to reading this ever since I finished His Personal Relationship Manager - a year ago! So of course when I saw this was released this morning I had to drop everything and dive in.

This was an entertaining book! Fun plot, likable characters and swoony romance. I like that this story can stand alone, but it was fun seeing previous characters and I liked how it tied into the first book. We meet Meg in the first book, and I suspected something might happen with her and playboy Zander. She certainly gives him a run for his money! I'm not the biggest fan of the whole "bad boy" or player storyline, but every once in awhile I come across a book that makes me believe the guy truly has changed (those are the books that actually make it to my reformed rake shelf - I have to believe they've changed to make it on there!) I liked both Meg and Zander, I thought they had great chemistry and it was fun to see Meg stand up to him. It was especially fun to see Zander fall for Meg - something he is not used to doing, despite all the many women he dates.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and will definitely read again. Can't wait for the next book.

Content
Romance: Clean - kissing (mild talks of past sexual relationship - and waiting for marriage)
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Series: Dating By Design, Book Two - can stand alone

Source: Kindle Unlimited

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Blog Tour: A Cowboy to Keep by Karen Rock

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

A Cowboy to Keep

by Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 7th 2017 by Harlequin

Can't stop running from the past

Dani Crawford has a secret…and if bounty hunter Jackson Cade finds out, he could ruin everything. The scarred yet handsome cowboy has tracked a dangerous criminal to the dude ranch Dani manages, and to get rid of Jack she'll have to help him catch his man. But the closer they get to cornering their quarry the more Dani wants Jack to stay. Spending time with him is making her long for things she can never have thanks to a past mistake. And if the truth comes out she may be spending her future behind bars rather than safe in her cowboy's arms…

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo
Book Depository│Harlequin

My Review

I really enjoyed this one. I thought the plot and setting were a lot of fun. I also really enjoyed the characters of Dani and Jack. Both have troubling pasts that they're trying to get over and neither are looking for romance. They have great chemistry together, I enjoyed their playful teasing. I also loved how Dani was able to see past Jack's gruffness to the good mad underneath. I really enjoy contemporary westerns and this had an added mystery that kept things interesting. Overall, I thought I really enjoyed this one. I thought the plot and setting were a lot of fun. I also really enjoyed the characters of Dani and Jack. Both have troubling pasts that they're trying to get over and neither are looking for romance. They have great chemistry together, I enjoyed their playful teasing. I also loved how Dani was able to see past Jack's gruffness to the good mad underneath. I really enjoy contemporary westerns and this had an added mystery that kept things interesting. Overall, I thought this was a fun contemporary romance. I hear it's the start of a new series and I can't wait to read more!

About the Author

In a quest to provide her ELA students with quality reading material, educator Karen Rock read everything out there and couldn't wait to add her voice to the genre. In addition to her work as a Young Adult romance novelist, she's now an author for Harlequin's Heartwarming line and thrilled to pen stories that moms can share with their teenage daughters. She's loved Harlequin books since she spent summers going through her grandmother's Presents books that she passed along in paper grocery bags each year. As half of the writing duo J.K. Rock, Karen also pens young adult romance. When she's not busy writing, Karen enjoys scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, reinventing her gardens to suit her moods and occasionally rescuing local wildlife from neighborhood cats. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, her very appreciated beta-reader daughter, and two Cavalier King cocker spaniels, who have yet to understand the concept of "fetch" though they know a lot about love. For more information about Karen's upcoming books, check out her website.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Tumblr│Pinterest

  

   

Tour Schedule

February 4th: Launch
February 5th:
Christy's Cozy Corners
underneath the covers
Rockin' Book Reviews
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Bookworm Nation
February 6th:
I Am A Reader
Nicole's Book Musings
With Love for Books
Reading Is My SuperPower
Urban Book Reviews
Mythical Books
February 7th:
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
Hearts & Scribbles
Brooke Blogs
Okie Dreams Book Reviews
Falling Leaves
February 8th:
Paulette's Papers
Getting Your Read On
Thoughts of a Blonde
Becky on Books
Book Reviews
Heidi Reads...
February 9th:
Fire and Ice Book Reviews
Mel's Shelves
Lola's Reviews
Zerina Blossom's Books
Anny Books
February 10th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will win the above Prize Pack: 7 Paperbacks & a $50 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
- 1 winner will their choice of an ebook of one of Karen's backlisted titles (open internationally)
- Ends February 14th

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When Fireflies Sing by Christene Houston

When Fireflies Sing by Christene Houston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cute!

I really enjoyed this one, was sucked in right from the start and didn't want to put it down. I thought it was really well written, had a great setting, likable characters and a fun plot.

Journey (Isabelle) was a fun character, a well known singer in a very public family. She doesn't like the direction her life is going or the controlling way her mother runs her life. She feels trapped and has decided to escape. She goes to great lengths, which she'd have to, in order to disappear. She finds sanctuary at the Snowflake Falls Inn, a cozy lodge nestled in the mountains far away from the limelight. She finally gets settled in and enjoying her freedom when the Inn gets an unexpected visitor. Cody Blake, the famous country singer bad boy. Just out of rehab and not to happy to be there, Cody doesn't make the best first impression. I did enjoy his character development though and seeing him grow and self-reflect. I loved Journey and Cody's relationship, she definitely isn't dazzled by his fame and knows how to put him in his place. Lots of fun moments and of course a believable romance with lots of chemistry.

I love the setting of Snowflake Falls Inn, I so wish I could visit there. The supporting cast adds a lot of fun to the story. Overall, this is a fun romance with depth and charm. Definitely one to recommend.

Content
Romance: Clean, some kissing
Language: Very mild, 1-2 mild curses
Violence: None
Series: Snowflake Falls Inn, Book Two - stands well on its own

Source: Review copy, will also be getting my own hardcopy

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A Timeless Romance Anthology: Valentine's Day Collection

Valentine's Day Collection by Janette Rallison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These Timeless Romance anthologies are always fun. I like how each anthology picks a certain theme and all the stories come up with fun ways to weave that theme into their stories. They always turn out to be so unique. I was especially excited when I saw this would be a Valentine Theme, I love Valentines Day and was excited to have some fun stories with this worked in. Each was unique and I liked that the Valentine theme wasn't over done. Overall, I thought the stories were cute. I liked them all, but my favorites were probably Janette Rallison and Heather B. Moore.

If you're a fan of contemporary romance this is an anthology you don't want to miss.

Content: Clean

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Royal Design by Sariah Wilson

Royal Design by Sariah Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adorable!

I am such a big fan of the Royals of Monterra, it's one of my very favorite contemporary romance series. I was really excited when I found out Ms. Wilson had written a novella to go along with her series (I still need to read some of the other novellas in the Kindle Monterra World). Anyway, this was a fun addition and fits right in, but also stands very well on its own. You don't have to read the other books to enjoy this one.

Bellamy is such a sweet likable character. Very down to earth and easy to relate to. She's a bit shocked to find out she is also a Princess! Her life changes dramatically when she learns the truth about her father and that all her dreams will come true...if she agrees to star in a reality dating TV show about her quick rise to royalty. She's also not to happy to find out her handsome new bodyguard is Enzo, the guy who disappeared on her a year ago leaving her a bit broken hearted.

Bellamy and Enzo have great chemistry, not only do they have some swoony moments, but they have such a cute friendship. I really enjoyed their banter and sweetness. This was a fun novella and great escape. Have I mentioned how much I love this series yet??

Content: Clean romance, kissing. No language or violence.


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By Your Side by Kasie West

By Your Side by Kasie West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, I don't read a whole lot of Contemporary YA anymore, but there are still a few YA authors that I just love and Kasie West is one of them. I always know I will enjoy her books and eagerly await her newest release. When I read the synopsis for By Your Side I knew I had to read it right away. I was pleasantly surprised with this one, was sucked in early on and stayed up late to find out what would happen next. This is a fun read!

Autumn Collins is an interesting character, she suffers from an anxiety disorder but desperately tries to hide it from her friends. She's a likable character, active in school, comes from a good loving family and was an easy character to root for. Dax Miller is an outcast, keeps to himself and just counting down the days until he's eighteen and free. You can't help but like him and root for him as well. Neither are too happy when they find themselves locked in the city library over a long holiday weekend. I enjoyed seeing their friendship grow and how they bring out the best in each other. I liked that the story was a little deeper than I was expecting and seeing Autumn learn about herself and see her figure things out.

Don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say this was a fun read. I did think the end was wrapped up a little quickly, but was also happy with how things wrapped up. I had a couple unanswered questions (view spoiler)[Like what happens with Dax's mom?? (hide spoiler)], but would totally recommend to anyone who enjoys Contemporary YA romance!

Content: Clean, mild kissing, no language or violence


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Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave by Ann Aguirre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I remember when this first came out, back in 2011, it catching my eye and being one I wanted to read. I have a personal rule to try and only read series when they're all complete so I set this aside and waited. The trilogy has been done for awhile now and I finally got around to starting it. I'm glad I waited since the first book does end a bit...abruptly. This was really good though, and it sounds like the whole series is pretty consistently good (another good reason to wait for it all to be done, I hate when a series get worse as they go and don't live up to the first book).

I was left with a lot of questions and would have liked a little more background on what happened to cause people to hid out in the subway tunnels and how long they had been surviving down there. (I'm hoping its addressed in future books) Our heroine, Deuce, was born and raised in the tunnels. She is a very strong character, brave and determined. She is also curious and she is quickly realizing that her colony is not all it claims to be. Our hero, Fade, spent his early years living Topside and was forced down tot he tunnels where he met up with Deuces group. They reluctantly took him in, but he's still an outsider. Fade is pretty much doing what he can to survive, while he doesn't agree with how things are run, he knows its better then others. When Deuce and Fade are partnered together a friendship quickly develops. I really liked Deuce and Fade, how they rely on each other and would do anything for each other.

I really enjoyed the setting of this one, first in the tunnels and then as they are forced to move Topside. I especially liked seeing Deuce experience being outside, the vastness of it all and even simple things like seeing the sun for the first time. It was really interesting to read. It is a pretty brutal existence, especially for women. It seems women really got the short end of the stick in this new world. Are really only seen as good for one thing...breeding. Which is another great thing about Deuce, she wants more for herself and is willing to fight for it.

Oh, and I should mention the creatures. Some marked this as a zombie book, I can see where they get that, but the Freaks/Muties/Eaters didn't really seem like your typical zombies, so I'm curious to see what more we learn about them in the next book.

Overall, this was a fun start to a new series. I'm excited to read the next book and see what will happen next.

Content
Romance: Mild, hint of a love triangle
Other: Talk of breeding, rape is alluded too. Nothing overly detailed.
Language: None that I remember
Violence: Mild-moderate, nothing overly descriptive but definitely fighting and bloodshed.
Series: Book 1 of 3, and appears a 4th book (I think a spinoff) is coming out later this year.

Source: Amazon

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From This Moment On by Debra Clopton

From This Moment On by Debra Clopton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cali was deeply hurt by her failed marriage and is trying to get her life back in order by returning to her hometown and help make her family resort a success. One of her plans is to get the famous painter, Grant Ellington, to paint some murals at the hotel. She doesn't plan on how charming Grant is and how persistent he is in tearing down her walls. Grant is going through his own trials and meeting Cali is a breath of fresh air and has given him hope to find his own happiness again.

Overall, this was a pleasant read. I really enjoyed the island setting of this one and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None - mild mention of abuse in previous marriage, no details
Religious: None
Series: Book one, assuming the series will be around 9-10 books (There are nine kids in the Sinclair family and I'm guessing each will get their own book. Five out so far.)

Source: Amazon (currently free!)

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Chemistry Lessons by Rebecca Jamison

Chemistry Lessons by Rebecca H. Jamison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m a fan of Ms. Jamisons Austen retellings, and was excited when I saw she had a new book coming out. I love the setting, of both main characters being high school teachers – both science teachers.

This was a sweet story with likable characters and a nice romance. Rosie and Destry were both likable characters and you cant help buy root for them to figure things out. I’m not a big fan of love triangles, but I can see why authors use them and lets face it, that happens in real life all the time, so it’s realistic to use them in novels. While this is a sweet romance, it does deal with some serious issues. I appreciate when an author can keep things from getting too dark, since I like to read as a nice escape. I’m a sucker for small towns, especially ones that have that “western” feel to them. Overall, I thought this was a good read. Pretty Cover

Content: Clean, mild talk of past abuse


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Walk of Infamy by Sharalyn Pratt

Walk of Infamy by Sheralyn Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was really excited to hear about this one. I enjoyed Ms. Pratt’s Rhea Jensen series and was looking forward to this conclusion (If you haven’t read that series, no worries this stands well on its own), I’m also a big fan of her new Pimpernel series and was a little giddy to see how these two tie into each other (this is a prequel to that series). Again, this stands well on its own if you haven’t read either series, but after reading this I’m sure you’ll want to check them out.

This is a great book if you’re looking for some excitement and adventure. This will definitely keep you on your toes and keep you on the edge of your seat. I love Rhea, she is a tough character, very smart and kind. She is loyal and really tries to do the right thing. This book really adds a lot to her character and background. Overall, just a fun read.

Content: Clean romance, mild innuendo. Mild violence - mention of rape, no language


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From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen

From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m a big fan of the Timeless Romance Anthologies, and love that they’re publishing these Single novellas now. I was excited to see one of my favorite authors Nancy Campbell Allen had written one. I obviously jumped at the chance to read it.

This was a fun read, a well developed novella that is able to capture your attention and hold you tight until the end. I’m a sucker for a good romance, but also love when there is a little suspense thrown in to keep our characters (and us) on our toes. I thought this had a fun setting, likable characters and sweet romance. A great read when you’re looking for a quick escape.

Content: Clean

Source: Review copy


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Wrong Brother, Right Match by Jennifer Shirk

Wrong Brother, Right Match by Jennifer Shirk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Super cute holiday read. Another fun addition to the series.

Kennedy owns a successful up-and-coming dating service. She even met her perfect fiancé using her new, unique matching program. Kennedy and Justin seem to be perfect for each other, both are very career driven and her program cant be wrong, can it? Kennedy starts questioning the accuracy of her program when she goes to visit Justin's family for Christmas and everything she thought she wanted isn't quite what she had in mind. Especially when she finds out a mysterious stranger she met months ago turns out to be Justin's brother. The sparks fly.

I thought this was a fun story, it reminded me of the movie While You Were Sleeping (in this case it should be called While You Were Working). Kennedy never knew stability growing up, her mom jumped from relationship to relationship and Kennedy is determined to not make the same mistakes her mother mad. So when her own matching program matches her to Justin, she is determined to see it through. Even though she is more drawn to Matt. This is a tricky plot to pull off, I'm not a big fan of love-triangles, but I am a big fan of people being with those who actually love and appreciate them. So, I did think the LT was handled well here, glad no lines were crossed or anything.

Overall, I thought this was a fun read and I loved the fun small town charm during my favorite holiday, Christmas. Ms. Shirk's book are always a pleasure to read and I would recommend to any fan of contemporary romance. She's an auto-buy for me.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Other: Matt owns a winery, some casual drinking
Series: Book three, but can stand on its own.
Similar Reads: How I Met Your Brother

Source: Netgalley review copy

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Love's Broken Road by Julie Coulter Bellon

Love's Broken Road by Julie Coulter Bellon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've really enjoyed Ms. Bellon's books! She normally writes Romantic Suspense, which is a genre I enjoy, but not one I read from all that often (I have to be in the right mood). So, I was excited when I heard her newest novel was a good old contemporary romance. :)

This was a sweet story about new beginnings and new love. Victoria has survived a very abusive marriage and after the passing of her husband she is ready to gain control of her life again. Wanting a fresh start she moves states and starts completely over in the small town of Lincoln, Utah. Victoria was a likable character, we don't know too much of what she went through, but she is still dealing with the lasting effects of her marriage. She is strong though and wants to do all she can to help her young son. She accepts a job as a high school math teacher and her first day is introduced to the charming English teacher, Mr. Drew Dalton. Drew is also a widow, only his was a happy marriage and one he may not be able to move on from.

It's interesting to see these two characters come together. One from a bad marriage and one from a really good one. They have a lot of issues they have to overcome and lingering feelings they have to deal with before either is really ready to jump into anything new.

I enjoyed this story, I thought it was well written and kept me wanting to see what would happen next and how everything will work out. Even though it does have some serious themes, the book is kept pretty light, never dwelling too much on the negative. Which I love, I read to escape and I liked the balance of reality and keeping things light. The romance was sweet and you can't help rooting for these two to figure things out. I loved the setting, I'm a sucker for the small-town charm. I hope Ms. Bellon sets more books here, maybe Drew's sister could get a book?!?!

Anyway, this was a nice read and one I'd recommend for a cozy afternoon reading session.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: Mention of past abuse, no details
Religious: None

Source:


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How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison

How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loads of fun and romance!

I really love this series! I’ve been looking forward to Janette’s book for a long time now and I loved it! I love all her books, but especially enjoy her adult novels. I was excited when I saw this was loosely based on Sabrina,I love that movie!

Belle had a major crush on her friend Marco in college and was devastated when things didn’t work out. Seven years later she is working as a fashion designer in New York, but not completely happy with where she is at. When she learns Marco is going to be in Cancun, she decides she needs a vacation. Instead of being the shy, invisible girl, she’s going to show Marco her new confident self. Maybe this time things will play out better? She doesn’t count on meeting Marco’s brother Flynn and having him mess up all her plans.

This is a fun contemporary romance, fun plot and likable characters. It’s well written with a smooth flow that just carries you into the story and makes it hard to put down. I admit, I stayed up way too late to finish it, but I just had to see how everything would work out. The romance was great, lots of fun moments, tension and misunderstandings, but ultimately a great HEA.

My only very minor niggle, I love this series and love the character of Pearl. While she is in this story, I would have liked to see her a little bit more. Other than that, I loved the whole thing.

Would definitely recommend to any romance lover!

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None
Series: Standalone, but part of the Matchmaker Series

Source: Kindle Unlimited

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For This We Are Soldiers by Carla Kelly

For This We Are Soldiers: Tales of the Frontier Army by Carla Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isn’t that a beautiful cover? I’m such a sucker for a pretty book cover, this one caught my eye and made me want to pick it up and dive in.

This is a collection of six stories, I believe four had been previously published, but was fun to have them all together in one collection. Ms. Kelly is a master at writing historical fiction. She really brings whatever time period she is writing to life. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into time, becoming immersed in the characters, setting and day to day lives of people of the time. I love reading historicals because it gives me a chance to step out of my comfort zone and see things from a totally different perspective.

I think I’ve read more of Ms. Kelly’s regencies, but I have really come to love her American Historicals as well, especially these that are set during the Civil War. It’s such a fascinating time in our country’s history and I love the different views Kelly gives us in each unique story.

Overall, this was a nice collection of novellas, I’d recommend to any fan of the historical genre.

Content: Clean

Source: Review copy as part of blog tour


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