REVIEW: CHASING LOVE by MELISSA WEST

Chasing Love

Littleton Brothers #2

By: Melissa West

Releasing May 30th, 2017

Lyrical Shine

 

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In Chasing Love (Littleton Brothers #2) by Melissa West, after a harrowing experience that has left her scared and feeling like she should always be looking over her shoulder for trouble, Lila Jacobs has returned home to Crestler's Key. Working for the local vet, she's working hard towards her career dream and nothing is going to stand in her way. However, seeing Charlie Littleton, her brother's best friend again sends her heart racing and has her remembering all about the crush she once had on him. Will Lila and Charlie finally get the happy ever after they want, or will Lila's brother who just happens to be Charlie's best friend keep them apart? 

 

From the moment I read my first book by Ms. West, which was Racing Hearts, she became a must-buy author for me, and again with this book she's penned an addictive read that consumed me from the start and didn't let go until I was at the end. Everything about this story -- the fantastic characters, the fact that it encompasses -- I believe -- one of the best tropes in the brother's best friend trope, the fast-paced plot and the dialogue which was the perfect combination of playful, emotional and intense -- made this story a total page turner that I never wanted to end. Will Charlie and Lila get the happy ever after they both deserve after everything they've been through in the past.

As for the dialogue, it was well-written and had me hanging on every word, wanting to know more about the main characters and what happened in their pasts to make them so against relationships. Lila was caught up in a very harrowing situation and it's understandable why she is the way she is. Who wouldn't be a little jumpy and fearful of going out just for fun? Luckily, talking about what happened to her helps and those moments where she does prove how good Charlie is for her. Somehow, the things he says to her show Lila that she was down for a while, but she's strong and certainly not out. Not by a long shot. That what happened to her hasn't kept her from continuing on with her life, even if she did have to make a few changes to cope such as moving home. Moreover, I liked how Lila stood up for herself when it came to things worth fighting for. Such as her job and the difficulties she faces from the elderly man that owns the vet clinic as well as her relationship with Charlie when it comes to her brother.   

While Charlie, he hasn't had the easiest of times with relationships either. His ex was a real piece of work with what she did to him by taking everything that mattered. However, he's done well for himself, which is proven by his impressive social media skills and the chance he may be looking to take business wise. He's also loyal, protective and I liked how determined he was to keep things platonic between him and Lila, because he didn't want to ruin his friendship with her brother and also didn't want to lose Lila in the process. However, with the strong chemistry between them that just kept getting more intense, it was palpable he would lose the battle. Really, I was shocked Charlie managed to hold out as long as he did.   

Overall, Ms. West has penned an incredible read in this book, where the secondary characters entertained me almost as much as the main ones and which now has me looking forward to the next story for this series. Who will the final Littleton brother end up with? The way this story ended had me worried for the heroine, because of the touch of suspense this story had. However, I was so happy the way things worked out, especially with the surprise in the epilogue that had the brothers concerned about who would be their mother's favorite son. I would highly recommend Chasing Love by Melissa West, especially if you love the brother's best friend trope. 

 

OVERALL RATING 

 

BLURB:

Farming family land on sunny Crestler’s Key, the sweet, sexy Littleton brothers are notorious bachelors. But all that will change when the right woman comes along . . .

There aren’t many things Charlie Littleton values more than his lifelong friendship with his buddy Lucas, currently home from a tour in Iraq. But when he discovers that Lucas’s younger sister, Lila, is back to assist the town’s overburdened veterinarian, Charlie is torn. She’s no longer the skinny, awkward kid he remembers, but a gorgeous woman—one Lucas would never approve of him dating. When Lucas asks him to watch out for Lila when he’s called to duty again, Charlie can’t say no—but he can’t pretend it’s easy to ignore his feelings either.

As a teen, Lila crushed on Charlie—hard—and the man he’s grown up to be is even more wonderful than she dreamed. Relationships are a tricky business, though, and too much history is at stake to risk one now. But every moment they’re together is heated by their simmering attraction—and one day an impulsive kiss leads to much more. What’s tangled in a matter of loyalty soon becomes a question of the kind of love worth chasing . . .

 

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: CRAZY FOR YOU by RACHEL LACEY

 

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Crazy for You
Risking It All #2

By: Rachel Lacey

Releasing: March 28, 2017
Forever

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In Crazy for You (Risking it All #2) by Rachel Lacey, Emma Rush is determined to try new things, instead of being classed a "good girl" all the time. There's no one better to take a walk on the wild side with than her brother's best friend, Ryan Blake; a gorgeous man that used to be the ultimate bad boy. However, the more time she spends around him, the harder he is to resist. There's just one problem. Ryan made a promise to her brother he's determined to keep. Can she find a way to get him to change his mind, so they can have a chance at forever love?

What an engrossing and fast-paced read Ms. Lacey has penned in this book, which hooked me from the very beginning with the dare Emma's friends challenge her to follow through on. Will Ryan respond to her attempts at flirting? Will she be able to convince the hero into doing what she needs to do for the dare? However, I loved the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time, as neither are expecting to see each other in that moment. Yet, it's palpable both are happy to see each other.

Both the main characters were entertaining due to their past history, as Emma was the annoying little sister type growing up and now she's not; their growing relationship, which is filled with plenty of heat; their back stories, which were emotional because they've lost so much and need each other to remind them that they still have someone they consider family; and the fact that this story encompasses the brother's best friend trope and Ryan does his best to honor the promise he made to his friend. Will Ryan be able to keep his promise?

Emma is strong, brave, and has done well for herself after everything she's been through in having lost her mom and brother at a young age. She's also hard-working, and I liked her plans for her future. She has so many decisions to make when it comes to her career, and I liked the ones she did make. As it meant she could still have the dream for her career she always wanted, stay where she's always felt she belonged and hopefully have the happy ever after she desperately deserves after suffering so much loss in her life. Moreover, I like how enthusiastic she is about her career and how she makes everyone in her small town proud of her by what she does with honoring those that never came home from fighting for their country.  

While Ryan, he was a fantastic hero that I could not get enough of. He does his best to resist Emma, but there's no use. Not when she's so determined to annoy him with the way she teases him with talk about other guys and her plans to be a little bad. They have plenty of fun, which had me smiling throughout this book, and definitely get a little wild in and out of the bedroom. The hero's past wasn't an easy one either, because he was a bit of a troublemaker, but he's lucky to have found such great friends in the male secondary characters, as he, Ethan and Mark have managed to make a success of themselves with their business.

Overall, Ms. Lacey has penned a really good read in this book, which made me smile plenty of times because of the teasing dialogue between Ryan and Emma as well as between the main and secondary characters. Yet, it also made me want to cry at times due to the main characters back stories, especially with Ryan torn between honoring his promise to Emma's brother and wanting to be with Emma. Can he find a way to do both? The way this story ended was delightful, as Ryan had to find a way to make things right with the heroine after what he did to make her mad at him. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, because of Emma's surprise. I would recommend Crazy for You by Rachel Lacey, if you enjoy the brother's best friend trope or books by authors Lori Wilde, Jules Bennett, Jessica Lemmon or Shannon Stacey.

OVERALL RATING:   

 

 

BLURB:

“Rachel Lacey is a sure-fire star." --- Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author
 

SHE'S TAKING A WALK ON HIS WILD SIDE
 

Emma Rush can't remember a time when she didn't have a thing for Ryan Blake. Haven's resident bad boy is just so freakin' hot-with tattoos, a motorcycle, and enough rough-around-the-edges sexiness to melt all her self-control. Now that Emma's over being a "good girl," she needs a little help being naughty . . . and she knows just where to start.

Before Emma's brother enlisted in the military, he made Ryan promise that he would protect her from everything--including himself. When her brother doesn't come home, Ryan needs to turn his screwed-up life around to honor his pledge. But he knows he's still not the right kind of guy for someone as sweet as Emma. Only he can't stop wanting to be with her. Wanting her. Falling in love with a good girl may be the craziest risk this bad boy can take . . .
 

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Whoa. Emma closed her eyes and let out a shriek as Ryan guided the motorcycle onto Main Street and picked up speed. The cold wind whipped her face, taking her breath away. Beneath her, the engine rumbled and roared like a wild thing. Holy sh*t. She was on the back of Ryan Blake’s bike, and it was amazing.

The wind bit through her thin, knit gloves, hitting her fingers with an icy blast. Actually, every part of her was freezing, but she didn’t care. She wrapped her arms more firmly around Ryan’s waist, anchoring herself to him so she didn’t tumble off the back of the bike, and somehow her hands slipped beneath his jacket. Ahh. That was better. Toasty warm, and also…her hands were on his T-shirt. Even through her gloves, she felt the hard contour of his abs, and nope, she wasn’t cold now.

And this was absolutely freaking amazing.

She hung on tight as he guided them over Haven’s twisting mountain roads, deserted at this hour. Overhead the moon shone like a beacon, illuminating the night in its soft, silvery glow. The roar of the engine and the slap of the wind against her face shocked her senses. It was thrilling, invigorating, so completely different from riding inside a car.

She’d never have done this if Mandy hadn’t dared her, and now she felt like her eyes were open for the first time in years. This was what she needed. Somewhere along the way, as she sat at the bar talking to Ryan, she’d realized she was having fun, really having fun. And she wanted more. She wanted it all, every last wild and crazy fantasy.

All too soon, her building came into view. Ryan cut the engine and guided them quietly into the driveway, coming to a stop behind her silver Toyota RAV4. He turned his head to look at her, so sexy in his helmet and riding glasses. “So how was it?”

“Even better than I thought it would be.” She gulped for air. His lips were way too close to hers, and she was still a little bit drunk on beer and a whole lot drunk on her first motorcycle ride. Mandy’s words echoed in her ears. Bonus points if you kiss him. Just stand up a bit, lean over his shoulder, and…

Emma leaned forward, her chest sliding up his back as she tipped her face to his. Holy hell, she had completely lost her mind, but she was going for it. Every nerve in her body went haywire.

Clunk. Her helmet smacked into his, drawing her up an inch short of his lips.

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Rachel Lacey is a contemporary romance author and semi-reformed travel junkie. She's been climbed by a monkey on a mountain in Japan, gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and camped out overnight in New York City for a chance to be an extra in a movie. These days, the majority of her adventures take place on the pages of the books she writes. She lives in warm and sunny North Carolina with her husband, son, and a variety of rescue pets.

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

 

 

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I loved writing all the fun, adventurous things Ryan and Emma did together in CRAZY FOR YOU – rock climbing, cliff jumping, motorcycle rides, etc. They were so much fun to write, and it was the perfect balance to some of the heavier themes in the book. These two characters really bring out the best in each other, constantly pushing each other out of their comfort zones.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

Dream On by Aerosmith – “Dream until your dreams come true!”

Name one thing you won’t leave home without.

Chapstick! I have a weird obsession with it.

A la Twitter style, please describe your book in 140 characters or less.

Contemporary Romance Author. Wife. Mother. Animal Lover & Rescue Advocate. Hufflepuff. Powered by wine, chocolate, and books!

If you could have dinner with any three authors (alive or dead), who would you choose and why?

First, JK Rowling because she is a literary genius and a fierce feminist, and I’d love to chat with her about anything and everything. Next, Mary Higgins Clark because she was my very first “favorite author,” and I’d love to thank her for that. And of course Nora Roberts because she is my hero and gives great advice. All three of these ladies have inspired me so much, and I would love to just soak up all the knowledge they could impart.

What are your favorite types of stories to read?

My favorite books make me laugh *and* cry. I want ALL THE FEELS while I’m reading!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEW: LIVE OUT LOUD by MARIE MEYER

Live Out Loud

By: Marie Meyer

Releasing May 2nd, 2017

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In Live Out Loud by Marie Meyer, Harper King never thought she'd find someone that could understand her, especially not someone that can hear everything that goes on in the world when she can't. Except the moment she locks eyes with Thorin 'Thor' Kline during one of his musical performances at a bar, she believes she may have found a guy that sees her for her, instead of treating her differently because she's deaf. Can Thorin prove to Harper than he is her Mr. Right, or will Harper's fears tear them apart?

 

What an incredible read Ms. Meyer has penned in this book about a heroine that never thought she'd find a man that could make her feel the way the hero does and a hero determined to show the heroine he's willing to do whatever it takes to be with her. The way this story started with the heroine knowing she should be concentrating on her studies and not giving into the pleas of her best friend had me liking the heroine immediately, as it shows how determined she is to show people that just because she's deaf doesn't mean she can't be successful, independent and have as normal a life as everyone else. However, it was from the moment that the hero and heroine met that had me completely enthralled, as it's palpable the hero and heroine have an inimitable connection; the 'I-see-you-across-the-room-and-everyone-else-disappears' type of connection, which makes a person want to get to know the other so much more.

As for the dialogue, it was a wonderful mix of intense and teasing banter, and I loved every moment the hero and heroine converse. Thor treasures every moment he spends in Harper's company, even though he knows the things he's keeping to himself; things that she desperately wants to know about him could break them apart, if he doesn't tell her sooner rather than later. Will she ever learn what happened to him in the past that keeps him from wanting to have a forever relationship? Will Thor realize that he will never be like his father? Will the hero be able to protect his mother?

Both the main characters are compelling due to their back stories. The heroine didn't have the easiest time growing up, because she's deaf and everyone treats her differently even her parents. I felt sorry for her having to deal with the way her parents treat her, so she's lucky to have found a man like Thor. Someone that is willing to learn every way possible to be able to communicate with Harper better. Can he do it? Will the heroine be impressed by his efforts? Will the heroine's parents finally be able to bridge the communication barrier they have with Harper? 

While the hero, he's been through a lot in his life and has suffered physically and emotionally, so I could understand why he was so protective of his mom and determined to keep her safe from the past. However, it made me feel sorry for him when it came to his never wanting to have a long term relationship. How could he believe he'd ever turn out like his dad when he's so protective of his mom? Moreover, I liked how he talks about music and his guitar,  and loved how it too helps him to communicate with Harper. She has quite a knack for figuring out what songs are being played.

Overall, this was a really good, engaging read with plenty of chemistry between the main characters that show love is possible, if you're willing to take a chance and not let the past have power over you. The way this story ended had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, because of the effort Thor has to go to in winning Harper back. Certainly, it was a brilliant use of his talents as a musician, even though Harper doesn't make things easy for him. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped everything up perfectly, as we learn how far each of the main characters have come separately and together. Harper definitely knows how to surprise Thor. I would recommend Live Out Loud by Marie Meyer, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, a story encompassing a couple that are meant to be, or books by authors Lily Everett, Donna Alward or KE Osborn.

OVERALL RATING:

 

 

BLURB:

I thought I'd live in silence forever . . . and then I met him.

 

I'll never be able to hear, but music has always been a source of comfort for me. Rather than listen to the rhythm, I can actually feel the beat pulsing through me. It's pure bliss. So the moment I saw Thorin playing his guitar, I was mesmerized. I'd never seen anything more beautiful . . . or intimate. I couldn't tell where his body ended and the song began. He's everything I need in my life . . . I'm falling fast, hard, and deep.

I want him more than anything. But while I live in silence, Thor lives in secrets. He's holding something back-something that's keeping this intensity, this longing from being real. And the silence may be too loud to bear . . .

 

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REVIEW: SWEET SOUTHERN TROUBLE by MICHELE SUMMERS

Sweet Southern Trouble

Harmony Homecomings #4

By: Michele Summers

Releasing May 2nd, 2017

Sourcebooks Casablanca

 

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In Sweet Southern Trouble (Harmony Homecomings #4) by Michele Summers, all Marabelle Fairchild needs to do is convince Nick Frasier and his celebrity pals to be a part of the bachelor auction she's putting together for a fundraiser. Sounds easy enough, except she gets more than she bargained for when he asks her to be his fake fiancée in exchange for giving her what she wants from him. However, when their relationship starts becoming more real than fake, will Marabelle take a chance on Nick or will her fear of happy ever after have her running scared?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Summers, and I've got to say I've been missing out on some fantastic reading, if all this author's other books are like this one. In the way, it encompasses such riveting main and secondary characters that will leave a reader wanting more of them; well-written dialogue which is the perfect balance of amusing and intense; and a fast-paced plot that will hook you from the beginning and have you so wrapped up in what the hero and heroine are going through that you'll be at the end of the book before you know it. The way this story started had me feeling sorry for the heroine and her having to deal with the women on the committee that are asking her to do -- what seems -- the impossible. Will she be able to secure Nick's co-operation?

The dialogue was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine. Her mother is a tad over-the-top and a touch snobbish the way she expects Marabelle to do what she wants at the drop of a hat. Why is Marabelle so afraid to show her mother the woman she shows to everyone else? Why does she give in so easily to what her mother wants her to do and wear? She can't possibly be that scared of her mother's reactions, could she? However, in saying that, I liked how the hero helped her deal with her mother by showing the heroine that she's perfect in every way. Really, Nick is the Triple 'D' threat - delicious, delightful and downright dangerous to a woman's heart because of all that he does for the heroine's self-esteem. The way he boosts her up, so she doesn't take whatever her mother says too much to heart.

All the characters within this book were very entertaining. There were those that I loved and those that I loved to hate, especially the woman that Marabelle is trying to do her best to keep from getting her hooks into Nick. Can she get a clue that Nick isn't interested? Then there's the guys that Nick coaches with the way they treat Marabelle like their own personal chef and like she's one of their own. I liked how they're not afraid to offer her advice when they feel she's about to make the wrong choices and that they're willing to risk her wrath. What are friends for, if not to make sure you're happy forever instead of just a moment in time?

As for Marabelle, she's one of the best heroines I've read lately. She's strong, brave, independent, and I liked that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Certainly, Nick needed to be challenged by her smart mouth, her ability to keep him on her toes and have his life shaken up a bit. Moreover, I could understand why she was so adamant about keeping her and Nick's relationship casual, because she doesn't want any relationship she has to turn out like the one her parents have. Yet, it was palpable that she and Nick were different than her parents. Can she realize that before it's too late?

Overall, Ms. Summers has penned an enthralling read with a hot romance that illustrates how this couple bring out the best in each other and that they shouldn't let anything keep them apart. The way this story ended was perfect, because Marabelle is very possessive of Nick and isn't about to let anything or anyone come between them. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because of their talk about their favorite things. Who knew Marabelle could find more ways to annoy her mother? I would highly recommend Sweet Southern Trouble by Michele Summers, especially if you enjoy the fake relationship trope or books by authors Lori Wilde or Jill Shalvis.

OVERALL RATING: 

 

 

BLURB:

An ambitious Southern belle 

Marabelle Fairchild knows she's a gal who can get things done. Feeling unappreciated at the exclusive private school where she's a kindergarten aide and varsity tennis coach, Marabelle determines to score with the next big fundraiser. What she doesn't expect? A smokin' hot football coach to throw her off her game...

 

A reclusive NFL bachelor...

 

NFL coach Nick Frasier is Raleigh's most eligible bachelor, but he wants to focus on his career...not his playboy status. He doesn't need a smart-mouthed, pint-sized kindergarten teacher pestering him. So he cuts Marabelle a deal―in exchange for Nick sponsoring a bachelor auction starring him and his gorgeous celebrity pals, Marabelle will pose as his fiancée to ward off unwanted advances.

BUY LINK:  Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEW: TOO HARD TO FORGET by TESSA BAILEY

Too Hard to Forget

Romancing the Clarksons #3

By: Tessa Bailey

Releasing April 25th, 2017

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In Too Hard to Forget (Romacing the Clarksons #3) by Tessa Bailey, Peggy Clarkson has never been able to get over Elliott Brooks. But after he broke things off between them three years ago, Peggy is back in Cincinnati and ready to show the gorgeous man just what he's been missing. Except this time, they'll part ways on her terms, so she can finally put the past behind her and find the kind of happiness she deserves. However, it seems the only person that could possibly make her happy is Elliott. Can Elliott find a way to convince Peggy to give him a second chance? 

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Bailey, and it was a book I really struggled to get into at the beginning. Yet, I'm so glad I persevered through, because in the end I really enjoyed it. At the start, I thought the heroine was a bit too straight-forward, believing she could have whatever she went after, because of her looks. Indeed, I agreed with what the hero's daughter calls her at one point, which might make me seem judgmental, but it did feel like the truth at the time. Really, the heroine frustrated me until she told Elliott the truth of why she's returned to Cincinnati and then began to do something good that showed her how selfless she can be.

The dialogue was intense due to the history between these two. When they were together in the past, their relationship was forbidden and Elliott should have known better than to get involved with Peggy. However, in saying that, Peggy didn't make things easy for the hero to resist her and she still does so in the present. Will he give in? Will he let her go? Will he finally realize that she's the woman he wants in his life forever? Although, I didn't like Elliott in the past, because he seemed selfish to me with him being more concerned about his career than his family life. Yet, I really liked Elliott in the present once he realized that it's not too late to have the kind of relationship he wants to have with his daughter. No way can he continue to ignore her the way he does without their becoming a permanent rift between them further down the track.

In the end, I'm really glad I didn't give up on this book at the quarter way mark like I had planned, because it was a really good second chance romance, where the sex scenes were fan-your-face hot and illustrated that the only man that could give Peggy what she liked in the bedroom was Elliott. The way this story ended kept me turning the pages, as I wanted to know whether the hero had the courage to deliver on the promise he made to the heroine about a certain speech she wants him to make. Can he do it? However, what I really liked about the ending is the words Elliott says to the heroine, because it's palpable no one will love her as much as he does. I would recommend Too Hard to Forget by Tessa Bailey, if you enjoy scorching hot reads that encompass the second chance romance trope.

OVERALL RATING:

 

 

 

BLURB:

This time, she's calling the shots.
 

Peggy Clarkson is returning to her alma mater with one goal in mind: confront Elliott Brooks, the man who ruined her for all others, and remind him of what he's been missing. Even after three years, seeing him again is like a punch in the gut, but Peggy's determined to stick to her plan. Maybe then, once she has the upper hand, she'll finally be able to move on.

In the years since Peggy left Cincinnati, Elliott has kept his focus on football. No distractions and no complications. But when Peggy walks back onto his practice field and into his life, he knows she could unravel everything in his carefully controlled world. Because the girl who was hard to forget is now a woman impossible to resist.

BUY LINK: Amazon