Review: "Never More Than Enemies" by Veronica Adler

Never More Than Enemies by Veronica Adler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Never More Than Enemies" by Veronica Adler, book #3 of the Golden Girls series, was an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers romance between fellow actors Madelaine "Maddie" Guillaume and Gabriel Sutton, her best friend Jack's older brother. They're brought together when Maddie returns to London after several years living in San Diego to star in a play directed by a friend of her mother's. When she arrives, she's dismayed to learn that Gabriel has taken over as director and will also be playing her character's husband. Maddie's not exactly an ideal co-star for Gabriel, either; he thinks her bad influence nearly got his brother killed four years ago, and he's concerned that she'll once again lead Jack astray now that they've reunited in London. With neither Gabriel nor Maddie willing to walk away from the show, they'll have to find a way to work together, but they'll be lucky to make it to opening night without fireworks.

Maddie and Gabriel had a ton of chemistry and it was a lot of fun waiting for it to finally explode. Their banter was consistently amusing, and while they were both likeable characters, I must admit that Gabriel frustrated me at times because of his inability to see that Maddie had grown and changed in the years she was away in California. She wasn't the party girl she once was, and his refusal to forgive her for what had happened in the past really wasn't fair (not to mention ironic considering that he wanted her immediate forgiveness for some of the mistakes he made with her). That said, they were super cute together once they finally stopped hating each other, and I really liked that he was so willing to take things at her pace. She hadn't dated in a long time, so her need to move slowly made perfect sense to me.

I'd recommend "Never More Than Enemies" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. It was the first book I've read by this author but won't be the last.

*Review copy provided by the author via KatieandBreyPA. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Grump in a Kilt" by Kait Nolan

I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Grump in a Kilt" by Kait Nolan, book #2 of the Kilted Hearts series. Characters from the previous book make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Charlotte Vasquez is starting a new life after following her adoptive son, Raleigh Beaumont, from Texas to Scotland. Raleigh hopes that she will eventually run his new estate's manor house as a bed and breakfast, but for now, Charlotte is helping with the conversion of Lochmara's vacant crofters' cottages into holiday rentals. That means working directly with the grumpy estate manager, Malcolm Niall, whose vision for the project couldn't be more different from Charlotte's. Malcolm's only concerned with function, while Charlotte hopes to create a welcoming environment that will entice visitors to stay longer, generating more revenue for the estate. When they discover a young boy who's run away from an abusive situation hiding in one of the cottages, Charlotte and Malcolm must put aside their differences in order to help him. Will coming together to protect Gavin help them see that they have more in common than they realized?

Given the way the story started, I was expecting a very angsty read, but "Grump in a Kilt" turned out to be super cute and heartwarming. I loved the way Malcolm gradually came out of his shell and opened up to Charlotte, as well as the way Gavin brought out the paternal instincts Malcolm had thought were long buried. For various reasons, Malcolm, Charlotte, and Gavin all needed each other, and I adored their unconventional little family.
 

I highly recommend this story for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to the next book in the series. 

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

CW: Death of child; Grief; Cancer

 

 

About "Grump in a Kilt"

A grump who lost his family

After a devastating loss, Malcolm Niall has spent the past twenty years hiding from the world. As manager of a Highland estate, he's built a life of purpose, caring for the land and animals. And for the past six months, his peace has been utterly destroyed by a sexy Southern whirlwind who's never met a stranger. Worse, they have to work together daily.

His sunshiny nemesis who's starting a new life

Nothing about Charlotte Vasquez's life has been traditional. She never married, abandoned her corporate job to raise the son of her late best friend, and now she's followed that grown-up son to Scotland for a chance at something new. While she's enjoying the challenge, she could do without the attitude from the broody Scot next door.

Join forces to protect a runaway

Malcolm and Charlotte clash over absolutely everything on the renovation project they're tasked to lead. If there's a healthy amount of heat beneath the frustration, neither is willing to admit it. But when they discover a runaway hiding in one of the cottages, they find common purpose at last. Risks are taken and hearts expand as Malcolm and Charlotte pull out all the stops to protect Gavin from the abusive father who'd tear their unconventional family apart. 

 

Review: "An Unexpected Chance" by Melanie Moreland

An Unexpected Chance by Melanie Moreland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Single dad Simon Fletcher recently moved to the small town of Cliff's Edge with his daughter, 8-year-old Mia, to be closer to family. Following a nasty divorce when Mia was only a baby, Simon's ex-wife Kelsey has chosen not to be involved in their daughter's life. Her brother Evan has become a good friend to Simon and a loving uncle to Mia, however, and it's a blessing for them to have Evan and his wife Holly nearby. As the summer draws to a close and Simon prepares for Mia to start a new school year, he happens to run into Holly's friend, kindergarten teacher Amy McNeil, at the local grocery store. They've met in passing a few times before, but their conversation that day quickly turns into a lunch date and more. Could free-spirited Amy be the second chance at love that Simon - and his daughter - have been waiting for?

This story was originally published last year as a novella, but has since been revised and expanded with 12 new chapters. The additional chapters really improved the story IMO, adding depth to both Amy and Simon's characters and tying up a couple of loose ends related to Mia's birth mom and one of Amy's fellow teachers. The romance was sweet with the perfect amount of heat, and I also enjoyed Amy's growing relationship with funny, precocious Mia. I had to laugh at the scene in which she "interviewed" Amy as a candidate to be her new mom. After the way Simon's ex-wife treated them, he and Mia deserved to have someone wonderful in their lives, and Amy was exactly the right fit.

That said, there were a couple of things about the story that bothered me (though I'm sure these are just me problems and nothing to do with the book). First, Simon's nickname for Amy was "Chippy" (short for "Chipmunk") and it made me cringe every time he said it. It's partially because "chippy" has an informal meaning that implies someone is touchy or defensive, but I think my main issue was that it felt like an insult. Was he telling her that she had a chubby/fat face like a chipmunk with food in its cheeks? Was he implying she ate too much? I know it was meant to be loving, but it just didn't feel that way to me. My other issue was that there was something about Simon and Amy's dialogue, particularly in the first half of the book, that just didn't feel natural to me. I can't put my finger on exactly what it was. Maybe Simon was too earnest? He also had a strangely old-fashioned way of phrasing things sometimes, like when he wrote in a note to Amy, "A conversation is what I beg for." It reminded me of something I'd read in a historical romance. At any rate, I recognize that these are my own issues and unlikely to have an impact on most readers' experience with the story.

Bottom line, I'd recommend "An Unexpected Chance" for all contemporary/small town romance fans and look forward to Moreland's next release.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Betting on the Boy Next Door" by Melanie Jacobson

Betting on the Boy Next Door by Melanie Jacobson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sami, Ava, Madi, and Ruby have been best friends since their freshman year of college and now share a condo in Austin. Ruby, the only one of the group with a steady boyfriend, worries that her friends are avoiding romance by focusing too much time and attention on their careers, so she decides to stage an intervention. Starting with Sami, she bets her besties that she can find their dream guys for them within a year.

Figuring that she has nothing to lose since she's more interested in launching her secret rock 'n roll career than marriage, retirement home nurse Sami agrees to Ruby's bet. She's not counting on Ruby's persistence or their handsome new neighbor, attorney Josh Brower. As soon as she meets Josh, Ruby's convinced that he and Sami are meant to be, but a rocky first date has Sami pushing Josh straight into the friend zone. Even so, when he needs a fake girlfriend to convince the clingy daughter of an important client that he's off the market, she agrees to help him out. They're forced to continue the ruse when Josh's parents get the wrong idea, and setting them straight would cause problems for him at the family law firm. The more time they spend together, the more Josh wishes the relationship were real, but Sami rejects his overtures at every turn. Will he ever find a way to convince her to give him a chance?

I completely adored this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet story. Josh and Sami's chemistry was phenomenal, as was their witty banter. I understood Sami's concerns about getting involved with Josh after what she went through with her college ex-boyfriend, though it wasn't exactly fair of her to assume that Josh would act the same way. As for Josh, his past was not at all what I expected, but I admired how hard he'd worked to change his ways and make better decisions. (He may actually have gone a bit too far in the other direction given that he had basically no work-life balance before he met Sami!) Once they got together, my favorite part about Josh and Sami's relationship was that they tried so hard to show up for each other, both literally and figuratively. To me, that showed the depth of their commitment and proved why they belonged together. They were willing to put the other person's needs and desires ahead of their own, even when it was difficult.

I highly recommend "Betting on the Boy Next Door" for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to the upcoming books in the series, featuring Sami's roommates.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "I'm Only Wicked With You" by Julie Anne Long

I'm Only Wicked With You by Julie Anne Long
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed Julie Anne Long's "I'm Only Wicked with You," book #3 of the Palace of Rogues series. Even though she hoped for marriage and family like most other young women of her class, Lady Lillias Vaughn seemed like a different type of Regency heroine to me. She cultivated an interest in fashion without coming across as vain or silly, was obviously intelligent though not a bluestocking, and had a keen sense of adventure. The last quality became more apparent after Lillias and her family came to stay at The Grand Palace on the Thames. Secretly heartbroken after learning of a family friend's impending engagement to someone else, Lillias's behavior had become erratic, worrying her parents. They believed that the solution was to marry her off, though American Hugh Cassidy would not have been their first choice of son-in-law. Sparks flew between Lillias and Hugh from the moment they met, and even though they came from different worlds, they somehow understood each other on a level no one else could.

While it was a bit slow to get going, the story really picked up in the second half, and I had a tough time putting it down. I loved Lillias and Hugh's witty banter, particularly the subtext inherent in their drawing room conversations. Their discussion of Greek mythology was so funny! The book's secondary characters were also a delight, especially Dot the maid and Hugh's friend and fellow guest Mr. Delacorte. I think I'd enjoy playing a game of chess with him. :-)

I'd recommend this book for all historical romance fans and look forward to the next one in the series.

*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: "Cruiseshipped" by Savannah Scott

Cruiseshipped by Savannah Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bordeaux, Ohio's favorite seniors, Memaw and Bill, are getting married and have invited most of the town to join them on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate. While firefighter Brooks isn't thrilled about the idea of being the lone single person in a group of married couples, he could really use a vacation, so he lets his friend Duke persuade him to come along. Meanwhile, Boston event planner Gabriela's best friend Em, who moved to Bordeaux a few years ago when she married Aiden, has convinced her to join them as well for some much-needed girl time. Gabriela and Brooks hit it off when they met at Aiden and Em's wedding, and the time they spent together meant a lot to both of them even though they knew it couldn't go anywhere. They're both surprised but pleased to see each other again as they board the cruise ship. Even though nothing in their lives has changed that would allow them to pursue a serious relationship, they decide to make the most of their unexpected time together with a vacation fling. But when the week ends, will they really be able to say goodbye?

I've been hoping for more of Gabriela and Brooks ever since they met in "Townshipped," so to say I was excited to read this book is probably something of an understatement. Their chemistry was phenomenal, which I expected, but what I didn't expect was to be in my feels quite so much. Even knowing that it's a romance novel and the HEA was guaranteed, I was dreading the end of their trip just as much as they were. I couldn't figure out how they'd find a way to mesh their lives, which were pulling them in such different directions. It really speaks to the author's incredible talent that she could create such a level of emotion and connection with the characters while still keeping the overall tone of the story light and fun. (And never fear - Brooks and Gabriela ended up in exactly the perfect place for them.)

As much as I've loved all of the books I've read in this series, I think "Cruiseshipped" is my favorite so far. I highly recommend it for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: "Dare to Kiss You" by Julia Jarrett

I'm thrilled to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Dare to Kiss You" by Julia Jarrett, book #1 of the Donnellys of Dogwood Cove series. A version of this story was published in late 2022 but it has since been significantly revised and expanded.

 

Kat Donnelly and Hunter Callaghan have been secretly attracted to each other ever since he moved into the house next door, but for several reasons, neither has acted on their crush. Kat recently went through a tough breakup, but her best friend Lily is convinced that it's time for her to get back out there. Knowing that she can't say no to a dare, Lily dares Kat to ask Hunter to be her date for the annual charity gala benefiting the town's animal shelter. He happily accepts, but as the event draws closer, Hunter finds himself overwhelmed with anxiety, convinced that he will never be good enough for Kat. Can he overcome his fears - as well as the objections of Kat's four overprotective older brothers - to build a future with the girl of his dreams?

Having struggled with anxiety myself, I couldn't help both relating to and being heartbroken by much of what Hunter went through in this story. I can't count the number of times I've had similar thoughts of not being good enough go through my head! Kat was in a unique position to understand his anxiety because of her medical background, and I really appreciated that she applied her knowledge to the situation rather than jumping to conclusions. That's just one of the reasons that she and Hunter made such a great couple, and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.

Overall, "Dare to Kiss You" was a sweet yet perfectly steamy introduction to Jarrett's new series, and I highly recommend it for all contemporary/small town romance fans. I can't wait to find out what's to come in the next book of the series.

 

*Review copy provided by the author via Literally Yours PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Dare to Kiss You"

I assumed my secret crush on my next door neighbor would stay just that - a secret.

Until my best friend dared me to ask Hunter Callaghan out. 

I never turn down a dare…

It started as a way to get back into the dating scene after having my heart broken, but it quickly turned into something more.

The golden retriever energy Hunter shows the world hides a softer, vulnerable side. Emotions that he keeps locked away from everyone… Except me.

I see him for who he is, and it’s those hidden depths that have me falling for him.

Being with Hunter is a dream come true. Until my meddling brothers start to pull at the seams of what we’re building. Now I’m worried the man I’m falling for will ignore what’s in his heart, and push me away. 

 

 

Read an Excerpt from "Dare to Kiss You"

“If we aren’t getting dessert, should we get out of here? Maybe go for a walk?”

Kat nods, and the last trace of pain vanishes from her face. “That sounds lovely.”

I pay the bill, and soon we’re walking along the waterfront of Westport. Kat slips her hand in mine, and I swear, my heart grows impossibly large inside of my chest.

She makes me feel like I could conquer the world.

“My brother Max lives in Westport, to be close to the hospital he works at. I like it here, but honestly, give me the small-town energy of Dogwood Cove over this hustle and bustle any day.”

Her offhand comment is like a bucket of ice being dumped over my head. Because with just one reminder of her brothers, I’m faced with the reality that eventually, they’re going to find out Kat and I went out on a date. And there’s no fucking way they’ll ever think this is a good idea. That I’m a good idea.

Tightening my grip on Kat’s hand, I try to push that thought aside, at least for now. I’m on a date with the woman of my dreams, and I just want to enjoy it. Especially if it ends up being the only one I get with her once the other Donnellys find out.

To my surprise, I manage to compartmentalize my panic and worry just enough to enjoy the rest of my walk with Kat and the drive home.

The date went by way too quickly. And now we’re standing outside Kat’s house, and I’m mentally debating whether to risk being seen kissing her. I desperately want to. But what if someone drives past?

But her thumb is slowly stroking across my knuckles, and she’s looking up at me as if I hung the moon and stars. Which I definitely did not. My body starts to move on its own, the decision about kissing her clearly made.

I move slowly, in case she’s not ready for this, but then I see the small intake of breath and her pupils dilate. That’s all the proof I need.

As soon as I lean down and cover her lips with mine, I’m a goner. My tongue teases the seam of her mouth, and she opens easily. I take it deeper. There’s no resistance; Kat is into this kiss just as much as I am, and that thought makes me soar.

Her hands slide down my back until they’re hovering just above my hips. I tighten my grip on the back of her neck, just slightly, and angle her head so I can rain kisses down the smooth slope of her throat.

“Hunter,” she says breathily, and I feel her fingers dig into my back just above the waistline of my jeans.

I make my way back up to her lips and press another deep kiss there. I could do this forever. But I manage to find the strength and self-control to pull back, kissing her lightly on the nose before sliding my hands down and tangling them with hers.

“Thank you for an amazing time, Kitty Kat.”

She lets out a breathy laugh. “Pretty sure I should be thanking you.” She squeezes my hands and licks her lips seductively. “I wish tonight didn’t have to end.”

“Kat,” I groan. “Remember what I said earlier? I’m trying to be a gentleman.”

She rises on her toes and brings her mouth to my ear. “I don’t always want a gentleman. Sometimes I want a bad boy who’s willing to break the rules.” She drops back down and winks. “But you’re right. We should be good. Save something for the second date.”

She’s already thinking of a second date. Somehow, I didn’t fuck everything up. Holy shit. “That second date is happening really soon, right?” I ask, caught up in the moment and the tremulous hope that I might actually get a second date with her.

“Sounds good to me.”

We stand there holding hands, grinning like fools for a moment before I finally step away from her warmth. “Night, Kitty Kat,” I reply, pushing my hands into my coat pockets to try and arrange the cover to hide the bulge in my pants. Except all that does is draw attention to it, given how Kat’s eyes drop down, then back up to me with a flare of heat.

“Goodnight, Hunter.” Kat takes a step back, a saucy smile covering her beautiful face. She turns and opens her door, gives me one more smile over her shoulder, and then closes it.

It’s only when I’m inside my own house that I let out a long, slow exhale. The date had its moments, but overall, it went better than I possibly could have expected. Only now, there’s a whole new set of things for me to freak out about.

Because I’ve had a taste of Kat Donnelly. And with that one taste, I’m addicted.

Even if I’m not good enough for her. Even if her brothers try to push me away.

There’s no turning back now.