Tuesday, 4 July 2017

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: A TASTE OF YOU by TERI ANNE STANLEY

 
Her bourbon-flavored kisses
threaten his carefully constructed boundaries. 

 
A TASTE OF YOU
Bourbon Brothers #3
Teri Anne Stanley
Releasing July 3, 2017
Entangled Lovestruck





In A Taste of You (Bourbon Brothers #3) by Teri Anne Stanley, Eve McGrath needs the new Tasting and Visitor centre finished at her family's distillery, so she's determined to confront the contractor she hired. However, she finds herself meeting the unreliable contractor's gorgeous son instead, and demanding he finish the job. Will Nick Baker do the right thing by accepting to take on the job Eve needs him to finish, so they can have a shot at forever after; or will he leave her high and dry and needing to find someone else to finish the job?

With every book, this series just keeps getting better and better, and Ms. Stanley delivers another wonderful and captivating read in this third story of her Bourbon Brothers series, encompassing a fast-paced storyline that is filled with plenty of dialogue, which had me smiling or laughing; and main characters that have such interesting back stories that I couldn't wait to discover more about them, especially the hero. The way this story started had me hoping the heroine would get what she wants, because she needs everything to work out, otherwise there's no telling how her mother will react. Will everything work out for the best for Eve?

As for the dialogue, it was intense and had me loving both the main characters because of their back stories and their playful banter, especially when they're conversing about relationships and the heroine's organizing skills when it comes to her office supplies. Those moments had me laughing and determined to discover how many more times they could make me laugh. Moreover, I really enjoyed the hero's back story, as he's fighting a battle he's not certain he'll win in the long run, especially since there's plenty of temptation working for Eve at Blue Mountain Distillery and the fact that his father doesn't help matters with him having the same problem the hero had but not willing to do anything about it. I also liked how close the hero is with his mother and the advice the woman gives to him about Eve because he certainly needs it.

While the heroine, her need to be meticulous and her need to learn things she barely knows anything about had me really liking Eve. I also liked how much Eve grew throughout this story and that she finally stood up for what she wanted in her life, instead of continuing to remain the puppet her mother treats her like in expecting the heroine to fall in line with the woman's plans. I also liked how accepting she was of the hero, considering she's already witnessed the effects of the addiction the hero has recovered from, but could still fall back into the habit if he's not careful.

Overall, Ms. Stanley completely captivated me with this book where the chemistry was intense and the ending had me smiling because of the heroine's courage to finally fight for what she wanted for her future. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as the heroine is finally truly happy and I liked how what was happening with Eve's sister managed to bring the family a little closer after everything that happened. I would recommend A Taste of You by Teri Anne Stanley, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Marissa Clarke, Boone Brux, Stefanie London or Donna Michaels.

 
 
BLURB
Office supply addict Eve McGrath’s meticulously organized life is on the verge of crashing at her feet. Blue Mountain distillery’s new tasting and visitor center has to be finished pronto or her mother will lose her mind. Good thing Eve likes a challenge—which is exactly what she’ll face trying to convince the flaky contractor’s hot son to finish the job.

Nick Baker is back in Kentucky just long enough to get his wayward dad back on his feet. Then he’s gone. Unfortunately, he can’t resist helping Eve, the sexy distiller-in-distress, whose addictive, bourbon-flavored kisses threaten his carefully constructed boundaries. And if he can’t rein himself in, the uncomfortable secrets of past will nail him to the wall…

 

 

They were alone. Eve was suddenly nervous. What was the deal? She wanted to ask Nick if the incident in the truck last weekend was a one-shot deal, if he’d decided he really wasn’t that into her, or if there was going to be more, but reminded herself that she was taking things as they came.
Not stressing over the future. The bag with her planner inside banged against her hip as she led Nick down the hall to a door at the end. “Well, this is it,” she told him.
“Your mecca.”
“No. The Office Superstore out on 62 is my mecca. This is just a temple.”
“You really like office supplies, huh?”
“Oh yeah,” she told him. “Those times I get to take the company credit card and go to the office store? All that potential for organization and efficiency? It’s like Christmas and New Year’s Eve all rolled into one.”
“Copy paper.” He said it in a deep, growly voice that could have come from a 1970’s R&B singer. “Thumb tacks.” He waggled his eyebrows at her, and she giggled.
She turned away to grab the door handle, and he stepped closer, so she could feel him almost but not quite touching her from shoulder to butt. No, it wasn’t the thought of file folders that had her nipples tightening and heat pooling low in her belly. She stepped back, bumping into him as she pulled the door open, revealing her stash of office supplies.
“Paper clips.” This was more of a husky whisper. Which did actually send a shiver down her spine, but not because of the words themselves, more about the way he said it. Right into the place where her shoulder met her neck. His hands were on her hips now, and with just a tiny bit of effort, he could have her fully back against him. “Ball point pens.”
Her entire body flushed, and she took a chance asking the question, because leaving this up to fate was no longer an option. “Are you trying to seduce me with sexy language?”
“Is it working?”
“I think it is,” she told him and turned to face him.

 


Teri Anne Stanley has been writing since she could hold a crayon--though learning to read was a huge turning point in her growth as a writer. Teri's first stories involved her favorite Saturday morning cartoon characters, followed by her favorite teen idols. She has also authored a recipe column (The Three Ingredient Gourmet), and scientific articles (Guess which was more interesting!). Now she writes fun, sexy romance populated by strong, smart women and hunky heroes.

Teri currently supplements her writing income as a neuroscience research assistant. In her nearly non-existent spare time, she is the human half of a therapy dog team, an amateur genealogist, and a compulsive crafter (if there are directions on the internet, she can probably make it). Along with a variety of offspring and dogs, she and Mr. Stanley enjoy boating and relaxing at their weekend estate, located in the thriving metropolis of Sugartit, between Beaverlick and Rabbit Hash, Kentucky.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: CATCHING THE COWGIRL by JENNIE MARTS

 
More importantly, he needs to find a way to keep her.

 
CATCHING THE COWGIRL
Cotton Creek #3
Jennie Marts
Releasing July 3, 2017
Entangled Lovestruck


 


In Catching the Cowgirl (Cotton Creek #3) by Jennie Marts, Adam Clark and his friends are determined to make sure the new video game they're looking to create has an authentic feel to it, and what better way than experiencing a Western adventure. However, Adam finds himself at the Cowboy Camp alone because his friends get tied up with work, which means spending time with single mom Skye Hawkins. Will Adam be able to convince Skye that he's a man she can trust, or will the fact that they live in two different states be the reason that both of them walk away from the happy ever after they both deserve?

Ms. Marts is such a wonderful storyteller who always manages to enthrall me with her stories, and this book was no different. Not only because it encompasses the opposites attract trope, but because it encompasses a hero so far out of his comfort zone yet determined to enjoy himself; and a heroine that finds it hard to trust, is so independent and made me determined to discover just how things would turn out for this couple and what obstacles they'd have to overcome on their journey to happy ever after. The way this story started had me a tad amused at the hero's dilemma. How is he supposed to deal with the situation when he's all about technology?

As for the dialogue, it was well-written, compelling and had me smiling all the way throughout this story, as the hero is swoon-worthy, a total geek and I loved how enthusiastic he was about his work. I also liked how he gained the heroine's trust by experiencing everything the heroine suggested and proved that he wasn't going anywhere. Then there's the growing bond he shares with the heroine's son, and how he helps Skye to connect better with the young boy. However, there was also some intense dialogue that had me feeling sorry for the heroine, because of what someone she trusts is doing to manipulate her.   

Both Adam and Skye are fantastic characters with back stories that I loved. Skye is determined to hold onto her family's ranch, but with the bills adding up, will she be able to? Certainly, she's strong and brave and I could understand why she wouldn't rely on anyone to help her after all that she's been through. However, I'm glad that she gave Adam a chance, especially because he was good not only for her but for her son as well. Moreover, I liked how good of a mother she was and that she would do anything for her child, especially allowing Adam to show her how much fun video games can be.

Overall, Ms. Marts has penned another fascinating read for this series where the chemistry between this couple absolutely shines throughout this story, and had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, because they're really good together. The way this story ended had me sympathizing with the heroine, because of what she discovers about someone she thought she could trust. Yet, I was absolutely charmed by how things worked out between Skye and Adam, because there was no way he could let Skye go. Indeed, I loved the plans he had for Skye to be able to turn things around for the ranch. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully, as we discover if those plans come to fruition and whether they're successful. I would recommend Catching the Cowgirl by Jennie Marts, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Boone Brux, Sonya Weiss, Victoria James or Jody Holford.


 
BLURB
California video game designer Adam Clark knows that, in his business, authenticity is the key. So, for their newest Western adventure game, he and his partners decide to try out Cowboy Camp. Only Adam’s friends never arrive, leaving him a bit—okay, a lot—preoccupied, trying to resist the gorgeous cowgirl who owns the ranch.

Single mom Skye Hawkins is too busy trying to keep her family’s dude ranch out of the red to even think about romance. But she’s having trouble avoiding Adam. He’s smart, he’s sweet, he’s funny…and he’s hot! Maybe it’s the mountain air, but she finds herself letting down her guard. And the fireworks are definitely worth it.

The only problem—they live in totally different worlds. Still, Adam is nothing if not resourceful. Sure, he wants to catch the cowgirl. But more importantly, he needs to find a way to keep her.




 

“This ledge is crazy. I’ve died ten times trying to make this jump. I can’t make it across the river,” she said, passing him her controller. “Can you just get me past this part so I can move on?”
Normally he wouldn’t even consider it. It would take away from the game play and the integrity of the puzzle. But nothing about this was normal. And he was quickly realizing that he would do just about anything for Skye Hawkins—wear cowboy boots, muck out disgusting horse stalls, even attempt to country dance. Whatever she wanted.
He took the controller and easily maneuvered her character over the ledge and into the river.
“Oh no, be careful.” She tapped his leg anxiously. “This is the part where my character usually drowns.”
“I got this,” he assured her with a laugh. But her enthusiasm was so contagious, he played up the drama for her benefit. “I don’t remember this being so tough, though. I might not make it after all.”
But he knew he would. He’d designed this part and replayed every feature of it a hundred times. But he couldn’t resist the way she clutched his arm and hopped up and down in her seat with anxiousness.
“Watch out for the crocodile,” she shouted, pointing at the screen. “You’re almost there.”
He worked to manipulate the character so it swam past the crocodile and crawled out on the other bank, almost losing his concentration when she buried her head against his shoulder, laughing as she claimed she couldn’t watch.
When she saw that he’d made it across the river to the other side, she let out a sigh of relief. “You did it.” She gave him a hug. “Thank you for sharing this with me.”
Adam caught his breath as her cheek pressed to his.
As if it had a mind of its own, his hand slid around her waist, pulling her to him as he hugged her back.
She drew back, but just slightly—just enough for him to see her face and take in her wide-eyed look of surprise.
His gaze dipped to her mouth—to her slightly parted rose-colored lips—and she inhaled a quick sharp pull of breath.
Not him. He couldn’t breathe at all, couldn’t move.
He was frozen in place, even though every synapse in his body was firing on all cylinders sending sparks of heat surging through his veins.

He looked back up, into her eyes, searching for a sign, anything that would tell him she was feeling the same thing, the same swirling sense of dizziness that had his own stomach in knots and his mouth going dry. Anything that would give him a glimpse of permission.
But she seemed to be frozen as well, suspended in the moment, as if she were waiting, afraid to move.
He leaned in—just a fraction of an inch—but close enough that his mouth was a whisper away from hers. She didn’t pull back, and he moved the smallest bit closer and brushed her lips softly with his.
She sucked in a soft gasp, the tiniest sound but full of gigantic meaning. A sound that was a cross between pleasure and pain. It pierced his heart.
He stopped, not pressing, but not pulling away, as he felt the slight tremble of her lips against his. He waited, his heart pounding hard against his chest, somehow knowing that this moment could change everything. 

 

 
Jennie Marts is the USA Today  Best-selling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and the “perfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.” Fic Central claimed one of her books was “the most fun I’ve had reading in years.”

She is living her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies. She’s addicted to Diet Coke, adores Cheetos, and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes, or friends.

Jennie loves to hear from readers. Follow her on Facebook at Jennie Marts Books, or Twitter at @JennieMarts. Visit her Website and sign up for her newsletter to keep up with the latest news and releases.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SPOTLIGHT: TROUBLE by AVERY FLYNN

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Trouble, an all-new sexy standalone from Avery Flynn is available NOW!

 
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Trouble
Bad Boy Homecoming #2
By: Avery Flynn
Releasing June 27th, 2017
Self-Published
 

 + Add to Goodreads

 
BLURB
A high school reunion is about to get down and dirty and a whole lot more complicated in this new romance from USA Today bestselling author Avery Flynn.
 
Brains and a badass attitude. That’s all troublemaker Leah Camacho took with her when she left Catfish Creek. She’d promised herself she’d never go back, but when the invite to her tenth high school reunion arrived along with the chance to show everyone who doubted her what a success she’s made of herself, she couldn’t resist. However, when she discovers a 15-carat, stolen diamond in her rental car’s glove box, there’s only one man she can turn to for help—the same sexy, stubborn domineering man who’d smashed her heart all those years ago.
 
Sheriff Drew Jackson knew a long time ago that Leah Camacho was nothing but trouble and has sworn to never get caught up in her again—no matter how damn sexy she is or how badly he’d failed to forget her. But, when the woman who test drove his heart right into a concrete wall rolls into Catfish Creek with some serious bad guys on her tail, it’s up to him to keep her safe—even if that means guarding her hot bod 24/7 without giving into temptation or losing his mind.
 
 
 
Spinning the wheel as he hit the brakes, he came to a stop behind the sports car at an angle that blocked it from reversing. Drew got out of his truck, keeping the open door between him and the other car and flicked open the leather strap on his hip holster that kept his sheriff's office-issued 9mm locked in place. "Get out of the vehicle," he hollered.
 
The car's driver's side door opened wide. The first part of the driver to appear was one shapely leg wearing skin-tight denim punctuated with scuffed up black Doc Martens. Some sort of danger alarm sounded in Drew's head, but not the kind that warned of bullets or other bodily danger. A woman got out, facing away from him, her hands up and her dark hair a long silky curtain that led his attention straight down her back to the high curve of her ass poured into those jeans. Parts of him that had no place in police business sat up and noticed. Her 1ass was a testament to the reason why society required women to wear full dresses for so long—because men were weak, lust-addled idiots when it came to asses like the one that looked more than a little familiar to Drew. His gaze snapped back up as his internal alarm went from quiet buzz to all-out blare. He knew that ass, that hair, and those damn boots.
 
"Turn around," he ordered. She did. Her lush mouth—one he knew far too well—was compressed into a tight line, her attention focused on something behind him. Leah Camacho was back and with her always came trouble—for him, for his sanity, and for the part of him that still thought of her at opportune moments in the shower.
 
"Drew," she said, making his name sound like a curse and a promise. "Get on the other side of the door."
 
Listening to Leah Camacho was the last thing he should be doing, but he did it anyway for reasons he didn't understand. Just as he rounded the door, an extended cab pickup truck turned the corner. The tires were big, the windows dark, and the speed was slow. As it puttered by, Drew looked it over and mentally confirmed it didn't belong to any of the usual suspects in Catfish Creek. Of course, the high school reunion was bringing in lots of folks who hadn't been here in a while. At the corner, the truck sped up, peeling away from the stop sign and taking a hard right back toward the highway. "Who was that?" he asked, the smell of burnt rubber drifting back toward them.
 
"No fucking clue but they've been on my ass for the past hour," she said, reaching up and winding her long hair into a knot on the top of her head—the move emphasizing her amazing tits and making Drew's mouth go dry. "I didn't realize I'd be stopping on your turf." He bet not. After what happened last time they were together, she'd made avoiding him into an art form. However, the fact that he was the law in town, however temporarily, meant avoiding her was an impossibility because wherever Leah Camacho went, trouble was sure to follow. He glanced down at exhibit A.
 
"What happened to your tire?" he asked. "No clue," she said, her voice tight with a lie.
 
"I must have run over something." Drew squatted down and took a closer look at the tire. It didn't have a tear, it was just gone as if it had been a blow out. If Leah had run over something big enough to do that, she would have realized it. "What in the hell is going on, Leah?"


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Read Today!

 
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About the Author:

Avery Flynn is an award winning, USA Today bestselling romance author. She has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip. She was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

 

Connect with Avery:

Stay up to date with Avery by signing up for her Newsletter
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Sunday, 2 July 2017

REVIEW: DATING THE WRONG MR. RIGHT by AMANDA ASHBY


Dating the Wrong Mr. Right
Sisters of Wishing Bridge Farm #3
By: Amanda Ashby
Releasing June 19th, 2017
Entangled Publishing
 
 
In Dating the Wrong Mr. Right (Sisters of Wishing Bridge Farm #3) by Amanda Ashby, Pepper Watson doesn't know what to do now that she's lost her job and is finding it hard to find another because of her ex-fiancé. So, returning home to help her sisters is her next best option until she can figure out her next step. Spending a considerable amount of time at Wishing Bridge was never in her carefully planned future, but the more time she spends with Ben Cooper, the more she finds herself wanting to stay. Will Pepper be able to convince Ben that what they have between them means more to her than her plans for the future?

This series has really surprised me, and it's one I've loved from the very first story. The Watson sisters are three very different women -- the youngest Becky is a free-spirit, Emmy the middle sister is a woman that loves small town life, and Pepper the oldest is a total control freak. They've reunited after the death of their aunt and need to make some major decisions; decisions that aren't easy when they're at odds with each other, but I've enjoyed how each woman has found love and happiness. The way this story started had me wanting to laugh at Pepper's reaction to Ben. He's her youngest sister's best friend and a man that always seems to be around, but Pepper finds he always brings out the worst in her.

Both the main characters were very engaging, and had me hooked because of their heartbreaking back stories that help them to bond due to Pepper's friendship with his late twin; they're total opposites and frenemies; and Pepper needs him to help her get her ex to leave her alone. Moreover, I loved how the hero would do anything for family, especially when his parents are still struggling financially after they lost his brother. I also liked how persistent the hero was in trying to win the heroine over, although Pepper could be quite stubborn, so he did have quite a challenge on his hands.

While the heroine, her need for control is understandable, because she didn't have a lot when she was younger and lost those she loved. I also liked how she didn't give up on trying to get her career back on track, even though every avenue she explored seemed hopeless, considering what her ex did to her. However, what I liked most about the heroine is how she finally began to let her sisters in, instead of continuing to shut them out of her life. She needed them, especially when it came to making things right with the hero and realizing what she wanted for her future.   

Overall, Ms. Ashby has penned a wonderful read in this book where the chemistry was delightful, the romance on the sweet side and the secondary characters definitely bring a little extra something special to this story with their teasing and advice. The way this story ended was absolutely captivating, because of the decision Pepper made. She'd be good at her job no matter where she worked, because she excels at helping people whether their problems are big or small. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped things up superbly, as Pepper shows Ben that she's strong and brave and doesn't need saving anymore if she wants to do something reckless. Yet, it was the surprise Ben had for the heroine that I loved the most about the epilogue. Certainly, she deserved happy ever after just like her sisters had found. I would recommend Dating the Wrong Mr. Right by Amanda Ashby, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, the fake relationship trope, the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Victoria James, Jennifer Shirk, Coleen Kwan or Jody Holford.   


 
BLURB
Pepper Watson has lost everything–her job, her fiancé, and the future she’d so carefully planned. Now she’s back at Wishing Bridge trying to figure out her next step. Her new plan does not include the ever-so-sexy Ben Cooper. Nope. She’s getting her life back on track, and getting out of this little town as fast as possible.

Ben Cooper is doing his best to build his business and help his parents. The last thing he needs is the distraction that is Pepper Watson. She might be prickly every time he’s in her presence, but he sees another side of her. The side that has set aside her dreams to help her sisters. And then there’s the fact that kissing her is pretty much the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

He’s putting down roots. She’s running away. It’s going to take more than a wish for these two to find their happily ever after.
 
BUY LINK:  Amazon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

REVIEW: FALLING FOR TROUBLE by SARAH TITLE


Falling for Trouble
Librarians in Love #2
By: Sarah Title
Releasing June 27th, 2017
Zebra Shout
 
 
In Falling for Trouble (Librarians in Love #2) by Sarah Title, after Joanna Green froze during a performance with the all-girl rock band she was a part of, she lost her chance at fame and fortune and the chance of securing a record deal. Returning home to Halikarnassus, New York, is the only option left for her, and it's a good thing too, because her granny needs her after breaking her leg. Joanna may hate the small town, but there's one thing that's making her stay better -- Liam, the town's new hot librarian. Will she give Liam a chance, or is her desire to leave town a reason to keep her distance?   

What do you get when a hot librarian hero and a bad girl who has a passion for rock 'n' roll fall in love? Another wonderful addition to this series where the secondary characters charmed me with their dialogue, especially when the elderly women are at their book club; the main characters had me smiling, because Liam isn't afraid to go head-to-head with the arrogant town mayor, even if he does manage to resort to unjust actions; and the heroine had me cheering for her. Can she prove that she's changed and no longer the young woman that used to be trouble with a capital T?

The dialogue was intense, a touch amusing at times, and I loved the heroine no matter who she was conversing with. The small town she's returned to is somewhere she's adamant she won't be sticking around, but I liked the more time she spent with Liam, the harder her decision was to leave. Certainly, she finds herself getting on the wrong side of some of the townspeople, but it's nothing she can't handle with her feisty attitude and her need to show people that what happened to cause her to come home hasn't knocked her down completely. I also liked how kind and caring she was and how she used her musical talent to help some of the townspeople that needed her skills desperately for entertainment.

While Liam, I enjoyed him just as much as the heroine and they certainly have strong chemistry that is worth pursuing, even though Joanna is reluctant. Why start something between them when she's likely to walk away? Really, it's not as if she's ever witnessed what a good relationship is besides the one she had with her granny and her best friend. Yet besides them, she's never been real close to anyone and who could blame her, considering how neglected her parents made her feel. I also liked the hero's kind and caring ways towards Joanna's granny and how he would do anything for the elderly woman. However, what I liked most about the hero is how he fought for things he believed in; things like the library and the desperate need to keep doing what was best for the place.  

Overall, Ms. Title has penned a fascinating read in this book where the chemistry between the main characters had me intrigued to discover whether Joanna will finally give in to her growing feelings and will stay in Halikarnassus for good. The way this story ended had me smiling due to the decision the heroine has to make. No way will she let Liam deal with what's going on with the library on his own, not if she can help it. Besides, she has the right way of proving the library deserves what Liam wants. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up marvelously, because of the heroine's surprise and what a surprise it was. Who knew the people of Halikarnassus would be so accepting and choose her for the role that they do? I would recommend Falling for Trouble, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Sarah Mayberry, Laura Florand, Erin McCarthy or Jennifer Shirk.

 
 
BLURB
The riot grrrl and the bookworm--just the pair to get the whole town talking...
 
Liam Byrd loves Halikarnassus, New York. He loves its friendliness, its nosiness, the vibrant library at the center of it all. And now that Joanna Green is home, the whole town sizzles. A rebel like her stirs up excitement, action, desire--at least in Liam.
 
Joanna never thought she'd have to come back to her dull, tiny fishbowl of a hometown ever again. She almost had a record deal for her all-girl rock band. She almost had it made in L.A. And then her deal went sour and her granny broke her leg . . . and now here she is, running into everybody's favorite librarian every time she heads to a dive bar or catches up with old friends.
 
He has charm, he has good taste in music--and the sight of him in running shorts is dangerously distracting. But when he loves her old town and she can't wait to check out, their new romance is surely destined for the book drop...
 
BUY LINK: Amazon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday, 1 July 2017

REVIEW: ALL THERE IS by VIOLET DUKE


All There Is
Juniper Hills #1
By: Violet Duke
Releasing June 23rd, 2017
Montlake Romance
 
 

 
In All There Is (Juniper Hills #1) by Violet Duke, Jake Rowan carries around so much guilt that he was unable to save Emma Stevens little step-brother from the horrific fire that landed him in juvie when he took the blame for the blaze to protect someone he loved. But now, years later he finds himself face-to-face with the woman he's never been able to forget when he walks into her bakery to help with the repairs needed to her store. Will Emma accept his help, or will she turn him away because she can't forgive him for what he did in the past? 

Ms. Duke writes such wonderful romances, and this book validates that proclamation. Seriously, there was so much to like about this first book of her new Juniper Hills series such as discovering how far the main characters have come since the tragedy years ago that has left them both heavily-ridden with guilt; the emotionally-stirring back stories that tie this couple's past together and lead to a second chance at forever after, if the heroine can forgive the hero; and the dialogue which was the perfect combination of intense moments and playful banter that had me varying between crying, smiling and laughing.  

Both the main characters were incredible, and I could understand why the heroine reacted the way she did towards Jake the moment they come face-to-face in this story for the first time. Believing what she did about the past and his involvement in the fire, it's hard for her to even think about forgiving him, especially when she's also determined to protect her sister from having to relive one of the most terrifying days of their lives. Luckily though, her sister proves she's tough and seems to have overcome what happened years ago better than Emma has. 

While the hero, I loved his playful banter with the heroine, especially his cheesy jokes when it came to his career as a carpenter (I've got one word for you all...hammer) and when they were conversing about superheroes. Moreover, I felt sorry for the hero because of what his parents did to him. It wasn't fair, and I liked how his siblings still made him feel part of a family, especially when something happens to him that had Emma worried. However, what I liked most about the hero was how kind and caring he was and what he did every year to make up for not being able to save Emma's step-brother. It was an incredible deed that had me loving the hero even more than I already did.

Overall, Ms. Duke has penned another extremely engaging and hot read in this book where the secondary characters were just as riveting as the main ones and the chemistry between this couple was so compelling that it was hard not to feel how much Emma was wanted by Jake. The way this story ended with the epilogue was absolutely exhilarating, as Emma and Jake deserved the happiness they achieved in the end, especially after everything they've been through. Furthermore, I loved the surprise the couple were ready to reveal to their siblings, as it proved that love does conquers all and those that are no longer with them in life will never be forgotten. I would highly recommend All There Is by Violet Duke, if you enjoy small town romances, second chance romances or books by authors Donna Kauffman, MK Meredith, Kelly Jamieson or Melody Grace.

 
 
BLURB
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Violet Duke debuts an emotional series about letting go, starting over, and trusting in the redemptive power of love.

Emma Stevens is ready for a fresh start in Juniper Hills, but she still lives with the impossible guilt of her past: having failed to rescue her little stepbrother from a fire that decimated her childhood home and her family. Her next-door neighbor may have been the one to drag her out of the burning building that night, but it doesn’t exonerate him since he caused the fire. Not even when he shows up fourteen years later to help salvage her bakery.

Jake Rowan may not have been able to save Emma’s brother from the fire, but at least he was able to save his own brother. By taking the fall and the punishment for him, Jake managed to protect his older brother’s future…but it cost him the girl of his dreams.

Now Jake finds himself on Emma’s doorstep once again. Not to save her life this time, but to repair it. And more importantly, her heart, if she’ll let him.
 
BUY LINK:  Amazon