Review: "My Grumpy Valentine" by C.P. River

My Grumpy Valentine by C.P. River
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After her last relationship ended badly, bakery owner Flora gave up on finding love, choosing to focus on expanding her business instead. Unfortunately for her, romance is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches, and she can't seem to avoid it even in her own bakery. The town of Lark's Grove is competing to be named the best tourist destination in the county, and the local chamber of commerce has "asked" all of the businesses in the main shopping district to decorate for the holiday. They hope to create a festive atmosphere that will draw in more visitors and make them feel welcome. At first, Flora has no intention of complying with the request, but she's forced into it when the head of the chamber threatens to have the permits for her upcoming expansion denied if she doesn't cooperate. She does it her way, however, coming up with an anti-Valentine's Day theme.

Everything begins to change for Flora when she meets her nephew's third grade teacher, Teddy Morgan, who comes into the bakery one morning looking for gluten- and dairy-free treats for his class. He's immediately smitten with Flora, but for some reason she interprets his interest as light stalking rather than flirting at first. He convinces her to give him a chance and she quickly finds herself developing feelings for him, but will trust issues from the past stand in the way of her future happiness?

I really enjoyed this fun twist on the grumpy-sunshine/opposites attract trope. While the story touched on several heavier topics, including chronic/terminal illness, there was plenty of humor to offset the serious moments. Also, I really liked Teddy and Flora as a couple; their personalities balanced each other perfectly, and when she finally let her guard down with him, they were super cute together.

I'd recommend "My Grumpy Valentine" for all fans of sweet/closed door contemporary romance and romantic comedy and look forward to the author's next release.

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

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Review: "Merritt and Her Childhood Crush" by Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor

Merritt and Her Childhood Crush by Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In need of an escape after her "perfect" life in New York City suddenly implodes, Merritt Markham volunteers to take over for her youngest sister Eloise in managing the renovation of their late grandmother's house into a B&B. Her sisters think she'll be working remotely, but the truth is that Merritt has nothing better to do than hide out on Oakley Island after losing both her job and her boyfriend. Life on Oakley comes with its own set of complications, however; the contractor in charge of the project is Hunter Williams, the old childhood friend and crush who unknowingly broke Merritt's heart when he married someone else. Hunter is now a divorced single dad, and as much as she tries to deny it, Merritt is just as attracted to him as ever. The problem is that Hunter's roots on Oakley Island run deep, while Merritt never planned on staying past the end of the renovation. Will life once again pull them in two different directions, or will Merritt and Hunter finally get the happy ending they've always wanted?

After reading the first book of this series, I wasn't sure what to expect of Merritt; to be completely honest, I wondered if I would even like her. I should have known better than to doubt these two authors, however, because I loved Merritt by the time the story was over. She and Hunter had a complex history and there were a lot of unresolved feelings for them to work through when she returned to Oakley Island. Even so, they really seemed to bring out the best in each other, and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I highly recommend this book for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I can't wait for the next book in the series, which will feature Merritt's sister Sadie.

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

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Release Blitz + Review: "Final Offer" by Lauren Asher

I'm thrilled to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Final Offer" by Lauren Asher, book #3 of the Dreamland Billionaires series. While the book does work as a standalone, certain aspects of the plot related to inheritances and control of the Kane family company are carried through from the previous books.

After reading (and loving) the first two books of this series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Cal and Alana's story. I went into it mostly blind, and I honestly think that was the best way to experience it. The story's length (almost 600 pages!) intimidated me at first, but I was surprised by how quickly I managed to finish. It's a character-driven story but never seemed to drag or have a lot of unnecessary fluff. The history and issues between Alana and Cal were complex, and I couldn't wait to find out how everything would be resolved.

Overall, I absolutely loved "Final Offer" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I look forward to whatever Lauren Asher writes next. 

 

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

 

About "Final Offer"

Callahan
I'm the Kane brother everyone gossips about behind closed doors.
Trust fund brat. Washed-up athlete. High-functioning alcoholic.
No one knows the real me but her.
Lana Castillo—my childhood best friend and the only woman I ever loved.
When I broke her heart six years ago, I promised to never return to Lake Wisteria.
I kept my word until my grandfather's will changed everything.
To receive my inheritance, I was tasked with spending a summer at the family lake house before selling it.
The request was simple in theory until my entire plan blew up on the very first day.
Turns out Lana doesn't just live at the house, but she claims to own it, too.

Alana
Falling in love with Callahan Kane was a mistake.
He told me so before destroying my heart and our friendship six summers ago.
When he promised never to come back, I foolishly believed him.
But then Cal showed up again, intending to sell his grandfather's lake house.
The biggest flaw in his plan?
My name is on the deed. 

 

Review: "Musical Games" by Evie Alexander

Congratulations to Evie Alexander on the release of her latest novel, "Musical Games," book #4 of the Kinloch series. The timeline partially overlaps with that of the second book of the series and characters from that story make cameo appearances in this one, but it works well as a standalone.

Almost a year ago, British actress Sam Adamson landed what most would consider to be a dream role in a soap opera. She hopes to parlay that success into films, but her agent thinks she should stick to commercials and TV work. Sam decides to take matters into her own hands when she finds out that Hollywood superstar Brad Bauer plans to film his next movie at Kinloch Castle, which is owned by her best friend Zoe's boyfriend, Rory. She fakes a family emergency to get time off from the soap's busy shooting schedule and heads for Scotland, hoping that an introduction from Zoe will help her win Brad's heart - and maybe a juicy part in the movie.

When she finally meets Brad, Sam panics and blurts out that she's writing an album inspired by him and his new movie, with the help of Zoe's friend Jamie McDougall. Electrician by day and talented singer/songwriter by night, shy Jamie has already performed for Brad once and has no interest in doing so again. Besides, he seems completely put off by Sam; the only time he tolerates her is when they sing together. It's an uphill battle to convince Jamie to go along with her plan, but Sam is determined to make the most of this chance. As they get to know each other through their music, secrets are revealed and Sam and Jamie grow closer. But is there any hope for a relationship when they want completely different things out of life? 

This book gave me all the feels! Sam and Jamie were both such realistic, relatable characters, and there were so many times I wanted to reach into the book to give one of them a hug. Even though they seemed like complete opposites at first, they had a lot more in common than they realized, particularly the insecurities they tried to hide from family and friends. They saw each other in ways no one else did.

 

As in previous books of the series, the secondary characters were a ton of fun and added a great deal of depth and humor to the story. I especially enjoyed Jamie's mom, Morag, and older sister, Fiona, who have been delightful throughout the series. It was so great to see Morag have a little romance of her own this time around!  

Overall, I completely adored this book and highly recommend it for all romantic comedy fans. I can't wait to get my hands on whatever Evie Alexander writes next!

 

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

 

 

About "Musical Games"

He’s never been kissed, and she’s about to rock his world…

Bubbly actress Sam is on the brink of the big time — all she needs is one lucky break. But when she drops everything for the chance to meet Hollywood’s biggest star, she blows it by blurting out a lie.

Now, she’s got ten days to write an album with a man who wants nothing to do with her.

Shy electrician Jamie has never set foot outside Scotland — or his comfort zone. Then beautiful and vivacious Sam gatecrashes his world, and he’s unwillingly swept up in her grand plan. But though Jamie has the voice of an angel and the body of a god, he’s never even kissed a girl… and fame is the last thing on his mind.

As the songs emerge, so do feelings — but Sam’s determination to reach the top is matched only by how fast her lies are catching her up.

When the duo are offered the opportunity of a lifetime, the spotlight illuminates their glaring differences. Can Sam and Jamie face the music, or will fame tear them apart?

Musical Games is a steamy, slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine, laugh-out-loud, dual POV romantic comedy. Featuring an extremely hot virgin hero and a big-hearted heroine with a runaway mouth — there’s no cheating, no cliff-hanger, and you’re guaranteed a happy ever after (HEA). 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "The Imperfect Proposal" by Annie Dyer

I'm thrilled to participate in the release blitz celebrating "The Imperfect Proposal" by Annie Dyer, book #4 of the English Gent series. The timeline partially overlaps with the events of the previous book, but it works well as a standalone.

 

A decade ago, British doctors Shay Green and Thea Davies met while studying in the United States and secretly got married after a whirlwind romance. He woke up the next morning to find that she'd left him without a word and they haven't seen each other since. Their only contact was the postcards she sent every few months as she traveled from one post to another in her work with Doctors Without Borders. It therefore comes as a shock when Shay learns that Thea has taken a job at the same London hospital where he works, and to all appearances she's back in England to stay. Even though their marriage remains a secret, seeing her again reopens all of the old wounds. Will he finally get closure on what happened between them or will Shay find that he's still in love with Thea after all this time?

I enjoyed this unique second chance romance, which featured likeable characters and a compelling plot. Even after so many years apart, it was clear that Shay and Thea were still in love with each other; the problem was that they needed to rebuild the trust in their relationship. That didn't happen overnight, but I appreciated that they took the time they needed to work through their issues instead of rushing into a commitment they weren't ready for.

I recommend "The Imperfect Proposal" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to Dyer's next release.

 

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

 

About "The Imperfect Proposal"

Being caught in a cupboard in a compromising position with my latest hook up by my new colleague isn’t a great introduction.

The worse thing, that new colleague - she’s my estranged wife who’s been MIA for more than a decade.

Throw in the fact that neither of our families knew we were married in the first place and it’s safe to say, events maybe aren’t going as smoothly as planned.

Thea and I married ten years ago in Vegas, the day we both qualified as doctors. I knew plenty about her: the way she kissed, how she liked her coffee and the best way to make her see stars.
What I didn’t know was that she was the daughter of a Lord, was ridiculously wealthy and she’d signed up to Doctors Without Borders.

The morning after our wedding, she was gone.

For a decade, all I’ve had are postcards, sent to wherever I’ve been working, with no return address. Those, and a heart that no matter how good a doctor I am, I just can’t fix.

Now Thea’s back in London.
And she wants to be back in my bed.

Our first proposal wasn’t perfect. Would the second lead to the same fate?

 

Review: "Dirty Devil" by Melissa Ivers

Congratulations to Melissa Ivers on today's release of "Dirty Devil," book #4 of the Nashville Devils series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

 

Professional hockey player Foster Craig wants nothing more than to stay with the Nashville Devils, but thanks to the actions of his disreputable former agent, there's a problem with his contract and his future with the team is in doubt. His new agent is negotiating an updated contract for him, but in the meantime, Foster's been on his best behavior to avoid giving team management any reason to trade him. He's even been avoiding hookups, though that hasn't stopped the puck bunnies from pursuing him. One in particular is practically stalking him, and when she approaches him at a team-sponsored charity event, he's had enough. He grabs his teammate's little sister, Avery Remington, announces that she's his girlfriend, and kisses her. Their picture goes viral, and his agent suggests that they keep the "relationship" going because potential sponsors seem to like his reformed playboy image. Convincing single mom Avery to go along with the plan won't be an easy task, however; her cheating ex was a hockey player, and she has no interest in getting involved with another one. Besides, she's looking for something long-term to give her son stability, and Foster doesn't do serious. But when he makes her an offer she can't refuse and they begin spending more time together, they find that the attraction between them is very real - and so are their feelings. Can they find a way to work through the baggage of their pasts or is Avery destined for heartbreak once again?

Foster and Avery were both incredibly likeable, relatable characters and I loved their witty banter and steamy chemistry. Foster's reasons for avoiding commitment were understandable, but being with Avery and her son Mason gradually broke down his walls and made him realize what he'd be missing without them in his life. I appreciated how supportive he was of Avery's writing career as well as how sweet he was with baby Mason. Without a doubt, he was prime book boyfriend material! It's no wonder Avery found inspiration for her stories after they started dating.

I very much enjoyed "Dirty Devil" and highly recommend it for all contemporary/sports romance fans. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. (I hope the author will consider writing a future story about Avery's hilarious friend Holly from the bookstore too!)

 

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

 

About "Dirty Devil"

Pretending to be a hot hockey player’s girlfriend shouldn’t be a problem.

Except when that player is my brother’s teammate, Foster Craig, with the body of a god and a British accent that melts the panties straight off my lady bits. Did I mention that I might have a teeny crush on him?

But after a picture of an accidental kiss goes viral, he makes an offer I’d be hard pressed to refuse. A few dates in exchange for a lot of money. It seems harmless enough. And besides, I have a dead car, a baby to take care of, and a romance novel to write.

I just have to remember--No. More. Hockey. Players. Especially one who scores more off the ice than on.

Even if he comes to my rescue after my car breaks down. Or attempts to make me a cake for my birthday. Or dances with my two month old son when he thinks I’m not watching. I'm trying to resist him, but when he offers to help me test out "positions" for the novel I'm writing, things get a little… complicated. (And I’m not just talking about the Reverse Wheel Barrow with a Corkscrew Twist.)

And I find myself breaking my rules one by one.

If I take my heart out of the penalty box, am I going to end up being checked by yet another player?

Dirty Devil is a laugh out loud, steamy, fake relationship, single mom, reformed playboy sports romance featuring a British hockey player with a fancy peen and his teammates little sister with an addition to spicy books. This book is a full-length standalone with no cheating, cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Review: "Lost and Found" by Katharine Sadler

Lost and Found by Katharine Sadler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Lost and Found" by Katharine Sadler is the first book of a new series featuring the five Weston sisters. It's set in the same town as the Catalpa Creek series and a few of the characters from those books return in supporting roles, but it reads as a standalone.

Dandelion "Dani" Weston recently moved to the small town of Catalpa Creek with three of her four sisters in order to fulfill the terms of their late father's will, which requires them to live there for a year to receive their inheritance. For Dani, at least, it's a good time for a fresh start; her former best friend and business partner recently cheated her out of her share of the bakery they started together, and she lost everything. Unfortunately, living with her sisters and their constant arguments brings back bad memories from childhood, sending Dani fleeing into a nearby national park for a night under the stars. The next morning, she's discovered by park ranger Grant Holiday, who threatens to cite her for failing to pay the fee for use of the campsite. On further acquaintance, Grant's impression of Dani does not improve; he's convinced that she's the type of person who believes rules don't apply to her - and he's a stickler for the rules. It becomes impossible to avoid her when she starts working as a barista in his brother's bookstore, and after he tastes her homemade cherry danish, he's not even sure he wants to. Is it possible that these opposites could actually attract?

I loved this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and heartwarming story. Grant and Dani may have been complete opposites, but they were completely perfect for each other. Their banter was a ton of fun, and I particularly enjoyed the way Dani teased Grant. I also appreciated how layered each of their characters was; every time something new was revealed, it was like another puzzle piece clicked into place, and I could actually see how well the two of them fit together.

I highly recommend "Lost and Found" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the series.

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

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