REVIEW: FIRST COMES LOVE by HEATHER HEYFORD

First Comes Love 

Willamette Valley #2

By Heather Heyford

Releasing May 29th, 2018

Lyrical Press

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In Heather Heyford’s newest book, a single mom and attorney with deep roots in the rolling hills of Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge wine country thinks her family is perfect as is—until she crosses paths again with a gruff police officer who has two boys of his own . . .

There is nothing sweeter than the family you pick yourself . . .

After detective Alex Walker’s last case in Portland is skewered by a tough-as-nails attorney, he decides to finish out his career on a quiet note in the Willamette Valley. Dedicated to his job and committed to his family, he’s fine letting his brusque exterior keep even the thought of a relationship at bay—especially once he realizes his new hometown is the old hometown of the attorney who ruined his last case . . .

Single mom and attorney Kerry O’Hearn is just as wary as Alex is, thanks to her disastrous first marriage. But she isn’t fooled by Alex’s tough-guy image. When he asks for her assistance in gaining custody of two little boys from an abusive foster home, she sees what he desperately tries to hide: a giant-sized heart. Between them they have five kids and a whole barrel of bad experience. And yet, Kerry can’t shake the feeling that she and the crusty cop were meant to be . . . 

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In First Comes Love (Willamette Valley #2) by Heather Heyford, Detective Alex Walker has had enough of city life, especially after the case he testified in went belly-up. Now, he's determined to finish his career in the small town of Willamette Valley. However, it seems the attorney who won the case he testified at lives in the small town and it isn't easy to avoid her. Yet, soon Alex finds himself going out of his way to spend time with Kerry O'Hearn. But when a case he's working becomes rather personal to Alex, will Alex walk away from his shot at happy ever after or will Kerry help him fight to win this time around?

It's been a little while since I've read a book by Ms. Heyford, but I'm glad I got to read this story because I absolutely enjoyed Alex and Kerry and the secondary characters in Kerry's children and family. They're supportive and I loved that they gave Alex a chance, even though Kerry has been let down enough times by men making her promises they never keep. Will Alex prove to be the guy she needs and deserves? 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and their shared past that has them on opposite sides of the law with Alex determined to put away the bad guys while Kerry's job is to defend them. However, I liked how they made things work, even though it isn't easy since there are tough decisions to be made by the pair when it comes to a case. Moreover, I really liked both the main characters, as Kerry is a good mom, resilient and I liked that she took a chance on Alex, even though she's been hurt before and wants to concentrate on her children and being there for them more. While the hero, he's empathetic, good as his job, confident and I liked how the growing bond he shares with the heroine's kids. I also liked how willing he was to go above and beyond the course of his duty as a police officer because there are people in the world that need someone to fight for them. 

Overall, Ms. Heyford has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry is slow building, but had me loving how the chemistry gets stronger between this pair since Alex sees Kerry as the enemy in the beginning; and the ending had me worried because of what happens, but had me loving the hero's dedication to his job and his determination to make things right with Kerry and her children. How could he possibly walk away when they've come to mean so much to them? I would recommend First Comes Love by Heather Heyford, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Sandra Owens, Jill Sanders, Roxanne St. Claire and Olivia Miles. 

REVIEW: CHARMED AT FIRST SIGHT by SHARLA LOVELACE

Charmed at First Sight

Charmed in Texas #4

By Sharla Lovelace

Releasing July 10th, 2018

Lyrical Shine

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In the small town of Charmed, Texas, plenty of folks have found the path to true love. But now two outsiders have arrived to shake things up . . .
 
Never one to do things by the book, Micah Roman couldn’t just chalk it up to bridal jitters, or even quietly call off her wedding to her long-time fiancé. No, she has to high-tail it out of the church sporting a dress that cost more than her car, and jump on the back of a smoking-hot stranger’s motorcycle. Her knight in all-black is headed to a town called Charmed, so that’s where she’ll go and try to lay low. Except their appearance raises plenty of eyebrows . . . and a sudden, intense attraction she has no business exploring.
 
Who knew picking up a damsel in distress would lead to lust at first sight? Leo McKane headed to Charmed prepared to deal with some family secrets—including his status as long-lost brother. This runaway bride is an unexpected distraction his set agenda and loner lifestyle doesn’t include. She’s everywhere he turns, getting under his skin with her quirky, headstrong ways and eyes he can’t forget. But when Micah’s jilted ex comes looking for her and opens up his shady past, Leo knows he has a choice to make.
 
They both do.

Run to safer ground again? Or take a leap that their untrusting hearts are wary to take. 

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Charmed at First Sight (Charmed in Texas #4) by Sharla Lovelace, Micah Roman is a desperate woman. So, jumping onto the back of a stranger's bike in order to run from her long-time fiancé and her wedding is what she decides to do. However, she never imagined her savior would tempt her the way he does and soon she finds herself falling for him. Will Micah and Leo fight for their shot at happy ever after or will Leo's shady past be too much for Micah to be able to handle?

Having really enjoyed the previous books of this series, I couldn't wait to read this book, and I've got to say that Ms. Lovelace has penned another wonderful read for this series where the main characters have plenty of chemistry; the dialogue was riveting due to the main characters back stories because Leo has a lot to make up for with his brother while the heroine discovers more and more that she made the right decision in running from her wedding because her groom-to-be is an absolute piece of work that doesn't deserve her. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time that completely drew me into this story, as Leo just happens to be in the right place at the right time for Micah and she couldn't be more thankful. 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after including dealing with an ex that can't let what Micah did go and the heroine learning about Leo's past and how it ties into her present. Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave when it comes to confronting the man she left at the altar and I liked that she didn't stop fighting to get back things that were rightfully hers. I also liked the close relationship she has with her siblings and that they would do anything for her, especially since she did the right thing by not going through with the wedding. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was that she took a chance on Leo, even though there are things in his past that have proven he lets people down. Then again, Leo is doing everything he can to make things right, so he's got that going in his favor. 

While the hero, he's been through a lot in his life, which wasn't always easy. Really, he has a lot of regrets, especially when it comes to the one person he cared about and tried to take care of, yet ended up failing. Will he be able to make things right with his brother? Will his brother give him a chance, considering how badly Leo let him down in the past? Moreover, the hero was kind in doing what he did for Micah and I liked how protective he was of her when it came to helping her deal with the man she ran out on before she was to be married. I also liked his confidence and how he's managed to turn his life around to get to where he is. 

Overall, Ms. Lovelace has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was tangible; the romance was well worth the wait once Micah and Leo realized they could no longer fight their feelings; and the ending had me worried for the main characters, but had me liking how protective the hero was of the heroine. However, what I liked most of all about the ending was that Micah realized life was so much better with Leo in it. So, how could she not want to fight for a future with him? I would recommend Charmed at First Sight by Sharla Lovelace, if you enjoy the mysterious strangers trope, small town romances or books by authors Kelly Moran, Marina Adair, Miranda Liasson and Jill Shalvis. 

REVIEW: LOVE LIKE CRAZY by CRYSTAL B. BRIGHT

Love Like Crazy

Love & Harmony Romance #2

By Crystal B. Bright

Releasing April 17th, 2018

Lyrical Shine

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A chance to shine...

The closest Avery Shields expects to get to the music industry is her janitor position at Charisma recording studio, and singing secretly in her local karaoke bar. Working two jobs and studying full-time, she’s doing all she can to earn her parents’ trust after making mistakes in high school. But now a gorgeous stranger is filling her head with dreams of singing professionally—and filling her nights with desire…
 
Lazarus Kyson’s A&R career took a hit after he was wrongfully accused of harassment. To restore his reputation, he needs to discover a new talent. And when he least expects it, there she is: singing while she cleans the Charisma offices. As stubborn as she is talented, she refuses to audition. If he wants Avery—her voice and her heart—he’ll have to open himself up for the first time for a love too crazy good to let go...

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Love Like Crazy (Love & Harmony Romance #2) by Crystal B. Bright, Lazarus 'Laz' Kyson is determined to get his career back on track, but to do that he needs to find some brilliant new talent; someone that is going to rock the music industry. Believing Avery Shields is that talent, he offers to help her. Will Avery put her trust in Laz or will he be another person that lets her down by taking advantage of her?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Bright, and I've got to say that I absolutely loved it because of what happens at the start that guarantees the hero is going to have a tough time of repairing his reputation after what happens. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where things get very interesting, as the heroine is one to trust easily, especially someone like Laz with his smooth attitude, award-winning charm and gorgeous looks. Will Laz be able to find a way to convince Avery to give him a shot in launching her music career beyond her singing while she works as a cleaner. 

As for the dialogue, it entertained me from start to finish, as the heroine has already faced plenty of disappointment in her past and getting her hopes up again is something she's not prepared to do, especially with the way her parents feel apart her being part of the music industry, if she happens to get her shot. Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave for taking a chance on the hero, even though she hasn't had the best of luck in the past with trusting people. I also liked the close relationship she shares with her family, although her parents are way too protective of her. Is her judgment really all that bad or are her parents too overprotective? While the hero, he's charming, driven, confident and I liked how determined he was to win over the heroine because he needs her to ever be able to get back his reputation. I also liked the decisions he made throughout this story and that he would do anything for the heroine because she deserves a shot at a dream she never thought would ever come true. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is that he would do anything to protect the heroine. Will he break the rules to protect her? 

Overall, Ms. Bright has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was tangible and convincing; the romance was heart-warming and special because it's palpable how much the hero cares for Avery; and the ending had me loving the lengths the hero goes to in order for the heroine to have her shot at her dream. Will he be able to help her? However, it was how things worked out for the hero and heroine that I loved the most, as Laz needs the heroine in his life. She makes his world more interesting because she challenges him. I would recommend Love Like Crazy by Crystal B. Bright, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books, the mysterious strangers trope or books by authors Dahlia Rose, Siera London, Melinda Di Lorenzo and Delaney Diamond.

REVIEW: LUCK OF THE DRAW by KATE CLAYBORN

Luck of the Draw

Chance of a Lifetime #2

By Kate Clayborn

Releasing April 17th, 2018

Lyrical Shine

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Buying a lotto ticket with her two best friends didn’t change Zoe’s life. Only following her heart would do that... 

Sure, winning the lottery allows Zoe Ferris to quit her job as a cutthroat corporate attorney, but no amount of cash will clear her conscience about the way her firm treated the O’Leary family in a wrongful death case. So she sets out to make things right, only to find gruff, grieving Aiden O’Leary doesn’t need—or want—her apology. He does, however, need something else from her. Something Zoe is more than willing to give, if only to ease the pain in her heart, a sorrow she sees mirrored in his eyes...
 
Aiden doesn’t know what possesses him to ask his family’s enemy to be his fake fiancée. But he needs a bride if he hopes to be the winning bid on the campground he wants to purchase as part of his beloved brother’s legacy. Skilled in the art of deception, the cool beauty certainly fits the bill. Only Aiden didn’t expect all the humor and heart Zoe brings to their partnership—or the desire that runs deep between them. Now he’s struggling with his own dark truth—that he’s falling for the very woman he vowed never to forgive.

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Luck of the Draw (Chance of a Lifetime #2) by Kate Clayborn, Zoe Ferris is determined to make things right with the O'Leary family, except when she arrives on their doorstep, there is no warm reception. Not that she was expecting one, but still, she didn't expect for Aiden to ask her to pose as his fiancé. Will Zoe and Aiden be able to pull their fake relationship off and prove to everyone that things between them are real or will they lose their shot at happy ever after because he sees her as the enemy?

Having really enjoyed the first book of this series, I've been looking forward to reading this one, and I've got to say that I love Ms. Clayborn's writing. She has a way of hooking this reader from the very beginning with sexy and engaging heroes like Aiden; independent heroines that are determined to do their absolute best in things they choose to pursue such as Zoe's determination to make things right with Aiden's family; and compelling dialogue that had me fascinated by the main characters back stories and had me loving their growing relationship, as Zoe does her best to win Aiden over since he sees her as the enemy because of what she did in the past. 

As for the dialogue, I loved it due to the main characters back stories and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after because Zoe isn't afraid to speak her mind and prove she can help Aiden to get what he wants. Will Aiden accept Zoe's help? Moreover, the heroine is sassy, independent, hard-working, kind, caring and I loved how determined she was to make things right with the hero because what her firm did to him and his family was despicable. I also liked the close friendship she shares with her two best friends and that she can go to them with any problems she has because she needs advice when it comes to Aiden. Is she doing the right thing? 

While the hero, he was such an interesting character driven by what happened to his brother and determined to help others that suffered what he did.  He's also confident and I liked that he was willing to accept the heroine's help, even though it couldn't have been easy to be in her company when she's partially to blame for how things went with his brother's wrongful death case. Will everyone believe they're a couple? Furthermore, I couldn't help but sympathize when it came to the hero's past and how much what happened to his family affected him and his parents. Why doe the hero feel such guilt? 

Overall, Ms. Clayborn has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple is strong from the start and gets stronger with every moment they interact; the romance was special and had me hoping that everything would work out for the best for these two; and the ending had me liking that Aiden realizes how much Zoe has come to mean to him before it was too late because the heroine is good for him and vice versa. Really, they need each other to heal and finally move on from their pasts. I would recommend Luck of the Draw by Kate Clayborn, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Lucy Parker, Ainslie Paton, Jenny Holiday and Julie Ann Long. 

REVIEW: OUT OF A TEXAS NIGHT by PHYLISS MIRANDA

Out of a Texas Night

Kasota Springs #2

By Phyliss Miranda

Releasing May 29th, 2018

Lyrical Shine

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Everything’s bigger in Texas . . . including love.

A deputy sheriff in Houston, Avery Humphrey is ready for some hometown comfort when she heads back to Kasota Springs, but one kiss from Brody VanZant is enough to make her trade “soothing” for “sizzling.” When it turns out hot, hard-headed Brody is another Bonita County deputy, sizzling gets complicated, especially after Avery is made the interim sheriff. Brody knows romancing the boss isn’t on the duty roster, but to him it’s a state of emergency to prove to Avery that he’s the partner she needs—in her life and in her bed—and he’s ready to give her as many kisses as there are stars in the Texas sky to convince her. 

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Out of a Texas Night (Kasota Springs #2) by Phyliss Miranda, after surviving an on-the-job shooting that left her partner dead, Avery Humphrey has returned home to Kasota Springs. She's determined to enjoy her downtime and fight her way back to her job as a deputy sheriff in Houston. Yet, when something happens in Kasota Springs that turns the town upside down, Avery finds herself the interim sheriff of the town. Will Avery and her new partner, Brody VanZant, be able to get to the bottom of what happened or will their shot at happy ever after never happen because Avery can't let go of the past and the guilt she feels because of what happened?

The moment I finished this book, I was completely ready to log into Amazon and buy the first book of this series because this story was absolutely spellbinding. Really, everything about it -- the incredible characters, the fast-paced plot that included some tough obstacles for these two to overcome, and the enthralling dialogue -- drew me in from the very beginning and kept me reading until I was at the end. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time where things get really interesting in this book, as Brody is willing to pay any price to -- at least -- get a kiss from the woman he wants. How much is he willing to pay?

As for the dialogue, it was highly entertaining and intense due to the suspense throughout this story that puts pressure on the police department. Will Avery discover what is going on before someone else gets hurt? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to do her job, even though she's been through so much in the past and didn't know whether she'd ever return to police work. While the hero, he's been successful as an undercover agent and I liked how he proved himself to the heroine over and over again. He's also confident, driven and I liked how the hero and heroine challenge each other, especially since Avery doesn't know whether she can trust him after everything she's been through. Will the heroine put her trust in Brody?

Overall, Ms. Miranda has delivered an utterly fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance was delightful and had me loving these two together, as Avery begins to put her trust in another partner - both personally and professionally; and the ending had me worried for the main characters, as the investigation gets down to the crucial moment in discovering who they're after and whether they'll be able to bring the bad guy down. Yet, in saying that, I liked how everything worked out for the best for the hero and heroine, as being back in Kasota Springs has helped the heroine to heal and finally see that being an officer of the law is still the career for her. I would recommend Out of a Texas Night by Phyllis Miranda, if you enjoy romantic suspense, contemporary romance with a dash of suspense, the mysterious strangers trope, small town romances or books by authors Jodi Thomas, Kari Lynn Dell, Katie Lane and Sara Richardson.

REVIEW: FOREVER HOME by ALLYSON CHARLES

Forever Home

Forever Friends #1

By Allyson Charles

Releasing April 10th, 2018

Lyrical Shine

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LOVE UNLEASHED

 

Isabelle Lopez has never been a dog person. Raising her daughter alone and building a real estate career leaves no time for four-legged furballs. When she finds an abandoned mutt and litter of pups in a foreclosed apartment, Izzy intends to drop them off at a shelter and walk briskly away. Instead, her “heroic” deed makes her a local celebrity. Her boss is thrilled. Commissions are up. And thanks to gorgeous shelter owner Bradley Cohen, Izzy’s disciplined life is suddenly much, much more complicated.
 
He’s got a sexy smile, a wicked sense of humor, and a big, noble heart. Even as Izzy tries to get her libido to heel, boy, Bradley sets out to convince her there’s more to life than padding her bank account. But Izzy knows a trade secret that puts Brad’s beloved shelter at risk, and she can’t warn him.
 
Their relationship was barely getting started; suddenly it’s in the dog house. Now Izzy and Brad need to figure out what matters most, and whether this could be much more than animal attraction…

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Forever Home (Forever Friends #1) by Allyson Charles, when Isabella Lopez rescues an abandoned litter of puppies and their mother and brings them to the local shelter, she never thought she'd become a local celebrity. Even worse, she can't seem to get the shelter's owner Bradley Cohen out of her head. Will Bradley be able to convince Isabella that there's more to life than work and making money or will they both walk away from their chance at happy ever after because they're too different?

What a very entertaining read Ms. Charles has delivered in this book where the main characters do justice to the term 'opposites attract' and drew me into this story immediately, as the heroine is a workaholic and needs to have fun and the hero is the right man for the job. Will Isabella give Bradley a chance, especially when he reminds her a bit of her ex? However, it was from the moment this couple are introduced to each other where things really get interesting, as the hero doesn't know whether to trust the heroine or not, especially with what he comes across her doing. Will Isabella's explanation be enough for Bradley?

As for the dialogue, I loved the main characters back stories, as the heroine has done it tough and it's understandable why she's such a workaholic. Providing for her daughter is important, but I liked how Brad did his best to make the heroine realize that money isn't everything. Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave by giving Brad a chance. Since to her he does things on a whim instead of worrying about money, which is proven by his barely-surviving animal shelter that he needs serious help raising funds for. I also liked her feisty side in the way she stands up to a colleague that thinks she can't handle everything she has going on. When, in fact, that couldn't be further from the truth. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was the tight bond she shared with her daughter and that she would do anything for the little girl including what Brad persuades her to let the little girl do when it comes to the shelter. 

While the hero, he's hard-working, kind, caring, doing good things for the clinic when it comes to the care he takes with the animals and I loved how determined he was to win the heroine over. She needs more fun in her life instead of always working and I loved how persistent he was in his pursuit. I also liked the growing bond Brad shared with the heroine's daughter because the young girl needs a father figure in her life. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was his friendship with Gabe, despite the fact that they're as different as chalk and cheese, especially with the way Gabe feels about relationships and Brad is fighting to have something with Isabella.

Overall, Ms. Charles has delivered a wonderful read in this first book of her Forever Friends series where the chemistry between Isabella and Brad was instantaneous the moment they come face-to-face for the first time, even though they get off to a rocky start; the romance was delightful and had me so happy that the hero won the heroine over; and the ending left me completely satisfied, especially because of what the heroine does for the hero. I would recommend Forever Home by Allyson Charles, if you enjoy the mysterious strangers trope, the friends to lovers trope, or books by authors by authors Melia Alexander, Jennifer Hoopes, Elsie Davis and Jenna Bayley-Burke.