REVIEW: CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY by CINDI MADSEN

 

Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny

Taking Shots #4

By: Cindi Madsen

Releasing May 8th, 2017

Entangled Publishing

 

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In Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny (Taking Shots #4) by Cindi Madsen, Lindsay Rivera has decided she'll never fall for another hockey player again, but there's something about Ryder 'Ox' Maddox that dares her to take a chance. Especially since he doesn't give up on pursuing her easily when she's told him repeatedly he'll never stand a chance of winning her over. However, when Lindsay realizes she needs help to pass her math class otherwise she won't be able to graduate, it seems the only person available to tutor her is Ryder. Will she give him a chance or is allowing him to tutor her as far as things will go?

Ms. Madsen's books are fantastic, and this series I've loved from the very first book. It's a series about hockey players falling in love and overcoming tough obstacles to win their heroine's hearts, and certainly, Ryder faces a tough challenge with Lindsay. Since the last relationship she was in with a hockey player didn't work out, and she has a lot of dislike for guys that play the sport because of it. Can Ryder overcome her hang-ups to prove to Lindsay that he's different than the last guy she was with?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, and the obstacles these two face on their journey to happy ever after. Clearly, Ryder's parents have a huge problem with Lindsay, which had me reading quickly wanting to know what their quandary was with her? What is their deal that they're willing to have their son mad at them for interfering in his love life? However, the dialogue wasn't all intense. There were some really good light-hearted moments such as Lindsay's confessions and the teasing dialogue between Ryder and Lindsay. The hero is determined to win the heroine over and isn't afraid to get sneaky about his intentions by involving the secondary characters.

The way this story started had me laughing at Lindsay's antics. Did she really think she could avoid Ryder so easily? Then again, I could understand why she acts the way she does, because she has serious trust issues. Issues that not only stem from her last relationship, but because her mom never set a good example. Sure she did all she could to provide for Lindsay, but she did it by seducing men and that's not the way the heroine wants to live her life. Instead, she wants to be more independent than she already is and focus all her attention on her future career. Those traits made me admire the heroine, because her mom is a real piece of work that thinks what she does to men is acceptable behavior.

While Ryder, his parents aren't the nicest of people with his dad never declaring how proud he is of his son, even though Ryder's following in the man's footsteps and tries his hardest to prove his worth. Will he ever do something that will make his dad happy? Then there's his mother; a woman who thinks appearances are important and I could understand why Ryder tries his best to get along with her, because she's a good ally to have whenever he locks horns -- so to speak -- with his father. Yet, what I liked most of all about Ryder is how smart he is, his willingness to help Lindsay with passing math, and how determined he was to win Lindsay's heart, even though at times -- it seems -- there may be no hope of winning her over. Will his charm eventually work on Lindsay?

Overall, Ms. Madsen has penned a wonderful read in this book where the strong chemistry between these two definitely makes things interesting, as Lindsay is torn between what happened in the past and worried that it might happen again if she's not careful. The way this story ended left me completely satisfied, as Ryder knows just the way to get Lindsay to talk to him. Will his sneaky ways work? However, it was the epilogue that made this story worthwhile, because of the surprise Lindsay has for Ryder. He made her life better by not giving up on pursuing her and she's willing to do the same for him. I would recommend Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny by Cindi Madsen, if you enjoy New Adult Romance, the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Lisa B. Kamps, Lili Valente or Jillian Quinn.

 

BLURB

Confession #1: I used to be a puck bunny, but after a hockey player broke my heart, I gave up all things hockey. Now I'm just focused on finding a way to pass my math class so I can graduate college.

Confession #2: Ryder "Ox" Maddox's deep, sexy voice sends fuzzy tingles through my entire body, and I'm powerless to stop it. Which is a big problem since the hot, surprisingly funny hockey player is my new math tutor.

Confession #3: I can't stop thinking about how ripped Ryder is from all his hockey training, and how fun it'd be to cross lines with him.

Confession #4: I kissed a hockey player and I liked it.

Confession #5: If I'm not careful, I might relapse and fall for Ryder, and then I'll be totally pucked.

 

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REVIEW: NO ONE BUT YOU by BRENDA NOVAK

No One But You

Silver Springs #2

By: Brenda Novak

Releasing May 30th, 2017

Harlequin MIRA

 

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In No One But You (Silver Springs #2) by Brenda Novak, Sadie Harris is determined to move on with her life and make her soon-to-be ex, Sly, realize once and for all that she'll never go back to him. Except to do that, she needs a job and so she accepts the one offered to her by Dawson Reed; a man that's only just been acquitted for the murder of his adoptive parents. Will she be safer with Dawson on her side, or will his presence in her life get him hurt?

What a wonderful and gripping tale Ms. Novak has penned in this second story of her Silver Springs series, which grabbed my attention from the very beginning and didn't let go until I was at the end quicker than I expected. The way this story started had me concerned for the heroine, because she could have been putting her life at risk by meeting Dawson. Since everyone in their small town believed he was guilty of the crime he'd been charged with and no one seems to think any different, even though he was acquitted of the crime. Will Sadie be able to help him prove everyone wrong? Will the person that committed the heinous crime be brought to justice?

As for the dialogue, it was compelling due to the main characters back stories and together with the challenges these two face made this story a real page turner. Sadie's soon-to-be ex-husband is causing trouble for her and doesn't know when to give up. Will she ever finally be free of him? Certainly, Sadie gives him enough reason to finally give up on her by the way she stands up to him and begins to fight back with her words. I found her strength and courage admirable, because no woman should be afraid of the man they once loved. I also liked the heroine's determination to stand up for Dawson, because he was a good man that didn't deserve to have everyone against him when it was palpable how much he loved his adoptive family, which is proven by all he's doing to get his sister back.

While Dawson, he's been through so much and I could understand why he feels the way he does about law enforcement. No way could he trust any police after what they did to him. Also, I liked that he was willing to let Sadie and her son into his life, and how protective he was of them. Her soon-to-be ex-husband was a real piece of work, and I was glad that he didn't allow the man to intimidate him. That he was willing to help Sadie fight back and stuck by her through thick and thin, no matter how dangerous things became for him.

Overall, this was a really good read that kept me entertained from start to finish with its dialogue and wonderful array of characters, except the majority of the police force because it's palpable the boys in blue stick together. Why couldn't they realize how much of a danger Sadie's soon-to-be ex posed to her life after every wrong move he made towards her? The way this story ended had me concerned for the main characters. How far was Sly willing to go to make sure the main characters paid because of all he believes they've done to him? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, because of what the townspeople did for Dawson. Certainly, he deserves the acceptance of the townspeople after what they learn about the person responsible for committing the crime he was acquitted for. I would recommend No One But You by Brenda Novak, if you enjoy the second chance romance trope, the sexy protector trope or books by authors Lori Wilde, Bella Andre or Marie Force.

  

BLURB

New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak welcomes you to Silver Springs, a picturesque small town in Southern California where even the hardest hearts can learn to love again

Struggling to make ends meet after a messy divorce, Sadie Harris is at the end of her tether. Her waitressing gig isn't enough to pay the bills let alone secure primary custody of her son, Jayden, a battle she refuses to lose. Desperate, she accepts a position assisting Dawson Reed the same Dawson Reed who recently stood trial for the murder of his adoptive parents. Joining him at his isolated farm seems risky, but Sadie is out of options.

Dawson has given small town Silver Springs plenty of reasons to be wary, but he's innocent of the charges against him. He wants to leave his painful past behind and fix up the family farm so he can finally bring his dependent sister home where she belongs.

As Sadie and Dawson's professional relationship grows into something undeniably personal, Sadie realizes there's more to Dawson than the bad boy everyone else see she has a good heart, one that might even be worth fighting for.  

 

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REVIEW: SAY YOU'RE SORRY by MELINDA LEIGH

 

Say You're Sorry

Morgan Dane #1

By: Melinda Leigh

Releasing May 16th, 2017

Montlake Romance

 

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In Say You're Sorry (Morgan Dane #1) by Melinda Leigh, after taking a couple of years off work to spend time with her daughters after her husband was killed in Iraq, Morgan Dane is ready to return to work as a prosecutor. Except before she even gets started in her new job, tragedy strikes in the small town of Scarlet Falls. Even worse, the crime is being pinned on someone Morgan believes is innocent and she's determined to do whatever it takes to see the right person bought to justice. Will she succeed or will she face a tough, uphill battle that could turn deadly at any time?

What a highly entertaining, fast-paced, gripping read Ms. Leigh has penned in this book, encompassing well-written dialogue that kept me enthralled from start to finish; a plot with lots of twists and turns that kept surprising me and had me determined to discover what would come next; and two main characters that were determined to do what was right in seeking justice for the victim no matter how dangerous things became. The way this story started had me on the edge-of-my seat and drew me into the story immediately with what was happening, as it's palpable that any number of people could be a suspect. What would happen to whoever was in trouble? Would they be saved? 

As for the dialogue, it was told from several characters points-of-view and was intense due to the main characters back stories and all that they go through to prove Morgan's client is innocent. Going head-to-head with several secondary characters that are either extremely dangerous or very influential in the community should concern Morgan, but no matter what threats or scrutiny she faces, she remains loyal to her job and strong and brave in her determination to seek the truth when everyone is determined to prosecute her client just so their jobs are secure. But what I liked most about Morgan is that she didn't back down, especially when things became more and more dangerous for her, Lance and her client.  

While Lance, he's been through a lot in past months with having to give up working as a cop. It wasn't easy, but he's overcome it to become a very good private investigator. Moreover, I liked that he was willing to help Morgan, even though he wasn't as certain as the heroine was about her client's innocence. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how protective he was of  the heroine and how they wouldn't give up until they discovered the truth.

Overall, Ms. Leigh has delivered an incredible read in this book where the suspense and growing relationship between Lance and Morgan made this story a real page turner. The way this story ended was a tad alarming because of the situation Morgan finds herself in, but I liked that Morgan was finally able to move on from her past and the death of her husband. And lastly, I'm looking forward to more of this series because of the main and secondary characters, especially Lance's mom, a bright woman with a serious medical condition that makes Lance continually worry about her; and Sharp, Lance's boss and a man that is determined to make everyone a health nut. The moments where he was trying to convince Morgan what was good for her had me amused. I would highly recommend Say You're Sorry by Melinda Leigh, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Kendra Elliot, Mary Burton, Rita Herron or Nancy Bush. 

  

 

 

BLURB

In a new series from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh, former prosecutor Morgan Dane faces the most personal—and deadly—case of her lifetime.

After the devastating loss of her husband in Iraq, Morgan Dane returns to Scarlet Falls, seeking the comfort of her hometown. Now, surrounded by family, she’s finally found peace and a promising career opportunity—until her babysitter is killed and her neighbor asks her to defend his son, Nick, who stands accused of the murder.

Tessa was the ultimate girl next door, and the community is outraged by her death. But Morgan has known Nick for years and can’t believe he’s guilty, despite the damning evidence stacked against him. She asks her friend Lance Kruger, an ex-cop turned private eye, for help. Taking on the town, the police, and a zealous DA, Morgan and Lance plunge into the investigation, determined to find the real killer. But as they uncover secrets that rock the community, they become targets for the madman hiding in plain sight.

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REVIEW: HOT MESS by AMY ANDREWS

Hot Mess

Hot Aussie Knights #1

By: Amy Andrews

Releasing May 22nd, 2017

Tule Publishing

 

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In Hot Mess (Hot Aussie Knights #1) by Amy Andrews, Logan Knight never thought he'd see Arabella 'Bella' Tucker ever again. Not after how she pushed him away nine years ago and he didn't fight for their relationship after the loss they suffered. Yet, now they have a second chance, if only he can convince her to give him one. Except Logan faces a major hurdle in the fact that Bella has lost her memories of their time together. Will being with Logan help her retrieve her memories or will Bella uncovering the secret he's keeping from her tear them apart forever?

Ms. Andrews writes such compelling stories that I always find myself getting hooked by from the very first page and this story was no different. Seriously, Hot Mess is a captivating read encompassing the second chance romance trope, where the characters have a lot to overcome. Not only because of Bella's amnesia, but because of her parents, Logan's job as a firefighter and the secret the hero is keeping. Will Logan win Bella back? Will she be able to forgive everyone that's keeping one of the most important secrets of her past from her? The way this story started with the prologue made me sympathize with Logan and the rest of his family. They've lost someone important and they're dissatisfied with the proceedings they're having to sit through.

As for the dialogue, it was intense, well-written and had me flipping the pages determined to learn more about Logan and his family. They're quite close and I liked that they could tease each other the way they do. It breaks the tension and stress they're under while on the job and shows that they'll do anything for each other, which is proven by what one of Logan's relatives do to bring the hero and heroine together when it seems all hope is lost for their second chance.

With the main characters, Logan was a marvelous hero and I could understand why he thought them spending time together might help Bella recover her memories. Will it happen? Will showing her various things that he kept from their time together help her? Also, I liked that he was supportive, even though it was hard to handle the fact that she doesn't remember their time together nine years ago. A time when they were so in love and there were so many fond memories including the one he's keeping secret that ended in heartbreak. The one that could rob them of a second chance if she ever learns the truth before he's ready to tell her.

While Bella, she's been through a lot in her past and has overcome so much to get to where she is. After her and Logan went their separate ways, it wasn't easy for either of them and I couldn't help but be affected by the heroine's emotions. She's a survivor and a fighter, which is proven by all that she's done since her accident to get to where she is. I also liked that she was willing to give Logan a chance, because they have so much chemistry that shouldn't be denied. Chemistry which was strong in the past and only seems stronger as they start over in the present and get to know each other again. But what I liked most of all is that Bella was willing to fight for her relationship with Logan this time, and didn't allow others to influence her decision.

Overall, Ms. Andrews has penned a fabulous read in this book where the dialogue, both the main and secondary characters, and the gratifying ending has me looking forward to more of this series. The way this story ended had me concerned for one of the secondary characters, but I liked how things turned out for Bella and Logan in the end. Someone in Logan's family wants him to be happy, and it's palpable that the heroine being back in his life makes him that way. But what I liked most about the ending was Logan's surprise for the heroine. No way was he going to let her go this time. I would recommend Hot Mess by Amy Andrews, if you enjoy the second chance romance trope or books by authors Sinclair Jayne, Trish Morey or Victoria Purman.

 

 

BLURB

Firefighter Logan Knight thinks it's fate when he meets Arabella Tucker again, nine years after their brief, intense relationship ended. Until he realizes that Bella doesn't recognize him and all of their memories together are completely erased from her memory.

Bella may be oblivious to their history but she can’t deny their scorching chemistry and the possibility of a future with the mystery man from her past. Logan wants a future too, but he can’t go there until Bella knows everything they shared. Her parents, though, want to protect her from the emotional cost of old memories and so Logan is reluctantly persuaded to let the past lie.

But when Bella starts to uncover the truth, she is shocked by the revelations. Can she move beyond the hurt of her shared history with Logan and begin their new story?  

 

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REVIEW: FINDING YOU by JO WATSON

Finding You

Destination Love #3

By: Jo Watson

Releasing May 2nd, 2017

Forever

 

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In Finding You (Destination Love #3) by Jo Watson, Jane Smith is determined to find her birth father, so she takes an impromptu trip to Greece, knowing only the smallest of information that her biological mother met him while she was on holiday and that he was a tour guide. However, when she begins to get close to the man that's offering to show her around Greece, it seems history may be repeating itself. Will Jane fall completely under Dimitri's spell, or will her heart be broken because of the news she discovers that could make her run from her chance at happy ever after?

Although this story can be read as a stand-alone, I wished I had of read the first two books before this one, just so I could learn more about Jane's friends, why they have such a wonderfully strong bond of friendship and how a couple of those friends managed to achieve their own happy ever after. However, in saying that, I totally enjoyed this story, despite the fact that it's only told from the heroine's point-of-view. The way this story started had me concerned for the heroine. Why was she acting the way she is? Is something wrong with her?

As for the dialogue, it was interesting and drew me into this story, because of the heroine's back story and all that she goes through within this book. Should she stay in Greece when it seems nothing is going her way? Will she give Dimitri a chance, especially when he keeps proving himself to be a good guy? Like he did when they first met and Jane completely embarrassed herself. Moreover, I liked how Dimitri won her over with his friendliness and his desire to show her all that Greece has to offer and which makes people never want to leave. He's kind, caring, persuasive and takes her on a wonderful adventure where she does things she never thought she'd do.

Truly, Jane and Dimitri bring out the best in each other and for the first time Jane realizes how much she's closed herself off to love and how much she's isolated herself from her own family in order to protect herself. Then again, being adopted and rejected by a mother that doesn't want anything to do with her makes it understandable why Jane is the way she is. Still, she's strong and brave by going on the adventure she does, even if it doesn't end with the outcome she hoped for. I also liked that she didn't give up hope, even when it seemed her chances of finding her biological father were hopeless.

Overall, Ms. Watson has penned a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this pair was strong and had me cheering that Jane and Dimitri would be able to overcome the moment where they part ways, because of Dimitri's secret and the fact that it makes Jane believe she can no longer trust him. The way this story ended was wonderful, as Dimitri isn't about to let anything stop him from winning Jane back and if he has to use any means necessary -- such as getting help from someone close to her -- than he will. I would recommend Finding You by Jo Watson, if you enjoy holiday romances or books by authors Rachel Van Dyken, Cindy Kirk, Marina Adair or Jennifer Probst.

 

  

BLURB

When you go to Greece to meet your family but end up making out with your smokin' hot tour guide #sorrynotsorry

Being adopted never made Jane Smith feel unloved, just unlike the rest of her family. As her twenty-fifth birthday approaches, she is struck by an overwhelming longing to finally find her place in the world. So in a very un-Jane-like move, she books a last-minute ticket to Greece to find her birth father and the real Jane. All she knows about him is it that he was a tour guide named Dimitri. Armed with this knowledge and several surprise boxes of condoms from her mom (not embarrassing at all), Jane takes off.

Within minutes of landing she makes two important discoveries. First, everyone in Greece is named Dimitri, and second, fate might be playing a sick joke on her when a sexy tour guide called Dimitri comes to fetch her from the airport. He offers to help Jane with her search---if she'll go on an adventure with him. Stable Jane would never risk a steamy vacation romance. But real Jane might finally be ready to listen to her heart. Will Jane find her biological father, or will she end up finding something else entirely?

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REVIEW: BOMBSHELL by CD REISS

Bombshell

Hollywood A-List #1

By: CD Reiss

Releasing May 1st, 2017

Montlake Romance

 

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In Bombshell (Hollywood A-List #1) by CD Reiss, Cara Dumont has a rule -- no working as a nanny for celebrities. But when the job she recently accepted falls through, she finds herself assigned to gorgeous movie star, Brad Sinclair and his five-year old daughter; a daughter he's only just recently learnt he had. Will Cara be able to do her job without falling for Brad, or will Cara find herself needing to defend herself against the media storm that's bound to happen if they learn a Hollywood A-Lister has fallen for his kid's nanny?

I've heard a lot of good things about Ms. Reiss's books, and so I just had to read one for myself, and I've got to say that I really enjoyed this first book of her Hollywood A-List series. The way this story started had me empathizing with the hero's little girl, as she's been placed with a father she's never even met after having just recently lost her mother. How is a girl so young supposed to deal with such lose? Will anyone be able to help Brad's daughter? However, it was from the moment that the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time in this story that I loved, as Brad is used to getting everything his own way and he wants Cara as his daughter's nanny.

Both the main characters kept me entertained from start to finish due to their back stories, their growing relationship, all they go through within this story and how they interact with the hero's little girl. She's adorable and so easy to love that I could understand why Cara finds it hard to walk away from her, even though she knows it's in her best interest to do so, because celebrity fathers as gorgeous as Brad Sinclair are trouble with a capital T. Moreover, I could sympathize with all Cara's been through in her past and could understand her reasons for becoming a nanny. It gives her the chance to share her big heart and kind nature with children, even though it's hard for her not to get attached and hard not to be reminded of all that she's lost. But what I liked most of all about the heroine is that she wasn't afraid to challenge Brad by saying whatever was on her mind when it came to his parenting and how he should handle things differently now that he has a child in his life. No way can he continue the celebrity life -- the parties and his womanizing ways. He needs to set a good example for his daughter and be able to put her first.   

While Brad, he's cocky and confident; typical Hollywood type with his attitude and behavior. Not that all celebrities are as much of a womanizer as Brad is or into the parties like he is. Still, I must admit I liked how much the hero grows throughout this story, and how he proves he can be a good father by the tough decisions he has to make for his career. I also liked that he didn't give up on his pursuit of Cara, because they had something special. Of which, their sizzling chemistry shows that, especially once it spills over onto the pages in very steamy sex scenes that do justice to their chemistry.

Overall, Ms. Reiss has penned a really good read in this book where the dirty talk ups the sexual tension and didn't bother me like it sometimes does. The way this story ended had me concerned for Brad's daughter, but I liked how things worked out for all in the end. The hero needed to put his daughter first and he certainly does that with the decision he makes concerning his career. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped things up perfectly, because of the double surprise Brad had for Cara. I would recommend Bombshell by CD Reiss, if you enjoy Hollywood Romances or books by authors Alessandra Torre, JT Geissinger, Karina Halle or Katy Evans.

      
 

 

BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author CD Reiss, a standalone romance about a nanny, a Hollywood star, and a love they never expected.

Hollywood bad boy Brad Sinclair always gets his way, whether it’s the role he wants or the bikini-clad model he has to have. But when a bombshell gets dropped in his lap in the form of a dimpled five-year-old from a forgotten relationship, he knows his life is about to change forever.

Cara DuMont isn’t exactly thrilled when she gets assigned to be the nanny for the latest box-office king. She has one rule: no celebrity fathers, especially single ones with devilish good looks and rock-hard abs.

But as soon as Cara meets Brad and his adorable little girl, she knows she’s in for a world of trouble. Because there’s something about the way Brad looks at her that makes her believe that some rules are meant to be broken…

 

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: A CHARMED LITTLE LIE by SHARLA LOVELACE

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A Charmed Little Lie
Charmed in Texas #1

By: Sharla Lovelace

Releasing April 18, 2017
Lyrical Shine

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In A Charmed Little Lie (Charmed in Texas #1) by Sharla Lovelace, Lanie Barrett never meant to lie to her aunt just in order to make the woman happy while she was dying. But now with the reading of her aunt's will, she finds herself in a bind because the lie could lose her everything. Then again, perhaps not, when she meets Nick McKane; a gorgeous man who seems too good to be true by suggesting they get married. Will their marriage of convenience lead to true love, or will their relationship fears lose them the best thing that's happen to them?

Having only recently discovered Ms. Lovelace's books, I was really looking forward to this new series by her, and I've got to say that this first story of her Charmed in Texas series does not disappoint. Not only because this story contains the marriage of convenience trope, but because it has well-written dialogue that was amusing at times, especially the moments where Lanie causes quite a buzz amongst the townspeople with her wardrobe malfunction and her possessiveness of Nick. It also has a wonderful array of characters that I loved in the hero and heroine as well the secondary characters of Carmen and Allie and characters that I loved to hate in Nick's ex, members of Lanie's family and others that have their own agenda in trying to get Lanie to give up everything she'll inherit.

The dialogue and main characters were compelling, as Nick and Lanie have many decisions to make. Since the reading of the will and all it entails isn't easy for Lanie to accept, because she's forced to spend three months in the small town of Charmed where it seems almost everyone wants what has been promised to her if she fulfills the terms of the will. Can she and Nick convince everyone that they're in love and their marriage isn't a sham? Will Lanie realize she's not her mother before it's too late and she ends up losing her chance at happy ever after with Nick? Will Lanie accept her shot at her dream job?

Furthermore, I liked how Lanie kept surprising me. She's strong and brave by what she does when she first meets the hero, then by getting married to Nick and trying to fulfill the terms of the will, considering she never imagined herself being back in Charmed for an extended period of time. I also liked how feisty she is towards people that tick her off, especially several secondary characters that don't know when to quit. That don't understand that neither she or Nick are interested in their pathetic games to prove that the couple's marriage is a sham.

While Nick, he charmed me from start to finish with his willingness to help Lanie and how protective he becomes of her when dealing with the secondary characters that don't want her to receive everything she'll get in the will. Moreover, his back story is an interesting one, as his ex seemed like a typical rich girl growing up; always expecting to get her own way. Will Nick realize that Lanie is the right woman for him before it's too late, or will his ex worm her way back into his life? They do share a daughter together, so he'll never be completely free of her.

Overall, Ms. Lovelace has delivered an incredible read in this book where the chemistry between Nick and Lanie is intense, had me hooked while keeping me wondering if their relationship would ever go from platonic to physical. The way this story ended took me by surprise, because of how things turn out for Lanie when it comes to the will and how things sour between Nick and Lanie. However, I really enjoyed how they worked things out. Nick isn't about to let fear hold either of them back from achieving their happy ever after and I loved how he proved it with his words and his actions. I would recommend A Charmed Little Lie by Sharla Lovelace, if you enjoy the marriage of convenience trope, the fake relationship trope, small town romances, or books by authors Kimberly Kincaid, Tracy Brogan, Jamie Beck or Catherine Bybee.

 

BLURB:
Lanie Barrett didn’t mean to lie. Spinning a story of a joyous marriage to make a dying woman happy is forgivable, isn’t it? Lanie thinks so, especially since her beloved Aunt Ruby would have been heartbroken to know the truth of her niece’s sadly loveless, short-of-sparkling existence. Trouble is, according to the will, Ruby didn’t quite buy Lanie’s tale. And to inherit the only house Lanie ever really considered a home, she’ll have to bring her “husband” back to Charmed, Texas for three whole months—or watch Aunt Ruby’s cozy nest go to her weasel cousin, who will sell it to a condo developer.

Nick McKane is out of work, out of luck, and the spitting image of the man Lanie described. He needs money for his daughter’s art school tuition, and Lanie needs a convenient spouse. It’s a match made . . . well, not quite in heaven, but for a temporary arrangement, it couldn’t be better. Except the longer Lanie and Nick spend as husband and wife, the more the connection between them begins to seem real. Maybe this modern fairy tale really could come true . . .

 

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I didn’t look back, and I didn’t care. Nick’s hand was warm in mine, and when we reached the dance floor they’d cleared a space for, he tugged back gently to make me turn around. The look in those dark eyes nearly took out my knees. He pulled me into his arms, leaving no room for imagination, and I let my hands slide up his chest to his neck, and around back as his eyelids grew heavy.

Roberta Flack crooned softly,  

“Nice save.”

“I tried.”

“How was the punch?” he asked.

I wound my fingers into his hair and pulled his head down.

“See for yourself,” I said, the last word finished against his lips.

Sparks ignited throughout my body as our lips met. Soft. Slow. Wet. Needing. Our bodies moved as one with the music, so close, so tightly pressed together I could feel his heart beating. My hands traveled slowly back down his chest and around his middle as his came up into my hair. When his tongue ran over my top lip, I knew he could feel my gasp. And when I pulled him in deeper to taste him, I felt the low growl in his chest rumbling against mine.

His fingers twisted in my hair as he dove deep and then pulled back, deep again and back, teasing me, pulling back to kiss my lips one at a time, as I kept clinging tighter. I was drunk on it. Breathing shallow. My fingers curling into his shirt with the need for more

The first time…ever I kissed…your lips…

It was erotic, the way he kissed me. The way I kissed him. Slow, matching our movements. Intimate. Electric and emotional at the same time. And so full of desire and barely restrained need, that my body was trembling with it when he held my face and leaned his forehead against mine.

I wanted to keep my eyes closed. Absorb the feel of him, the song, the words, the taste. Just hold on to it a little longer. But I felt the heat of his gaze and my eyes fluttered open. And everything inside me turned to liquid fire. No one—ever—had looked at me like that. Had wanted me like that. The mirror image of what was churning inside me was all over him. In the desire mixed with the trouble haunting his eyes. This wasn’t the game. That thought hit me like a sucker punch to the gut. This was—

His mouth covered mine again, hungrier, hotter, and I melted into it. The burn in my chest at the realization of just how fucking real this was, stole at my breath, and I didn’t care. It was more than we were supposed to be doing but—God, it was so good. It was so good my heart felt like it was swelling to the size of the room. Wrapping around us as his hands cradled my face and he broke from the kiss, moving his lips along my face, my cheeks, back to my lips, both of us breathing fast. It was . Nick was giving me the more. It wasn’t just physical; it was bursting inside me.

When he pulled me to him, I buried my face in his neck and held him as tightly as I could as the words slowed to an end. I didn’t want it to be over. I didn’t want to let go.

I could hear my heart in my ears, pounding with every breath. He smelled like soap and something woodsy and Nick, and I always knew that but being up close enough to lick him made the smell intoxicating.

The music stopped.

 The lighting was changing. I had to let go of him, and the second I moved he backed up too. Just a little. Just enough for me to see the mouth I’d just gotten to know intimately. His gaze fell to my lips as well, before dragging up to my eyes. Things had changed. In the course of time it took for that song to make its evolution, our reality had shifted. And the real kicker was that I think we both knew it already had.
 

 

 

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Sharla Lovelace is the bestselling, award-winning author of sexy small-town love stories. Being a Texas girl through and through, she’s proud to say she lives in Southeast Texas with her retired husband, a tricked-out golf cart, and two crazy dogs.  She is the author of five stand-alone novels including the bestselling Don’t Let Go, the exciting Heart Of The Storm series, and the fun and sexy new Charmed in Texas series.

For more about Sharla's books, visit www.sharlalovelace.com, and keep up with all her new book releases easily by subscribing to her newsletter.  She loves keeping up with her readers, and you can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Tasty Q&A with Sharla Lovelace

Describe yourself in five words or less

1. Snarky (Might be kind of scary that this was the first one that came to mind.)

         2. Introverted

         3. Sneaky

  4. People-watcher (notice how I hyphenated to get an extra word? Yeah, see #3)

         5. Dog-lover (it worked last time)

 

Can you tell us a little about your book?

It’s about lying! LOL. Truly, it’s about when all your little white lies catch up to you, and what the hell do you do then? You make up a gargantuan sized one to cover them, and then hope it doesn’t swallow you whole. Unless it’s in the form of a hot sexy get-under-your-skin man….then by all means swallow!  (I did not just say that.)

Lanie and Nick’s story was honestly one of my favorite books to write—EVER. It was so much fun, and such a runaway train ride with no hands!  I loved literally watching them fall for each other, I loved Lanie’s spunk! I loved every second of it, and it birthed the town of Charmed, so I hope you will love it as much as I do.

 

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

I Hope You Dance

 

Name one thing you won’t leave home without.

My phone and a hair tie on my wrist. (That’s 2. Damn I have trouble following rules.)

What types of scenes are your most favorite to write?

I adore writing intense scenes with either sexy-smexy chemistry burning up the page or fast snappy dialogue. Sex scenes before the sex…with the tease and the tension and the snarky back and forth talking…I love that.  Also fights are a blast with all that emotion churning around.  Dialogue is always the most fun. I groan to write description…

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Everyone says this, but seriously, never give up. I met Sandra Brown at a writer’s conference, and she was behind a table signing for a line of hundreds, and when I got up there I said “Everyone in this line wants to be you one day.” She looked at me and said, “You’re here. You’re already halfway there. Don’t ever stop learning and don’t ever stop writing. You’ll get here. One day, maybe I’ll be in your line.” I never forgot that. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing by any means, but my first book was published almost exactly 5 years ago, and now A CHARMED LITTLE LIE is my 10^th published book, and I’ve just finished writing my 12^th.  Don’t give up on your dream. Also, remember that you write about life, and to do that you have to live. There are times (deadline evil times) that you have to stay in a cave and pound out words, but outside of that, find a balance and enjoy your life. It will show in your writing when you do…and when you don’t. If you write romance, kiss your husband every day. And if you are writing about hot sex and he is one of your readers, you’d better be prepared to give up the goods. Saying you aren’t in the mood after penning being banged against a wall—doesn’t cut it honey. ;)

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

I wouldn’t be here without you, and I love and adore you so much for taking the time to buy my books and give my stories a try. And when you email or message me to tell me about it…oh my God you just don’t know the rainbows and unicorns that fill me up. Nothing is more important in this job than readers. When I make you happy…when I make you laugh or cry or feel something that you are moved enough to tell me about…my God, ice cream isn’t even as good as that. It’s close. But not quite. ;)