REVIEW: DRAW YOU IN by MK MEREDITH

Draw You In

Cape Van Buren #3.5

By MK Meredith

Releasing September 25th, 2018

Self-Published

Formerly FALLING FOR YOU, part of Marina Adair’s St. Helena Vineyards.

On the rocky, atmospheric coast of Cape Van Buren, Maine...

Cartoonist and hopeless romantic Sage Mathews has moved home to Cape Van Buren to find her happy ever after. And why not? It’s happened to everyone else in the town where love washes in with each wave. She’s even landed the perfect job, head cartoonist for the The Van Buren Tribune—her late grandfather’s newspaper. The only thing more important than finding love is keeping her grandfather’s legacy alive. A hard task when the paper’s sexy and irritating new consultant is determined to digitize her dreams.

Parker Edwards has never measured up in his grandfather’s eyes. So when the opportunity arises to consult for the small town newspaper where the old man sits as a board member, he’s determined to prove his grandfather wrong. Step one, digitize the paper to keep the sinking ship afloat. Step two, get his tiny town tour guide, who happens to be the cute and curvy cartoonist, on board. With the glitz covered cynicism of New York. in his blood, he can’t wait to do the job and get back to the city. That is, until his sweet new friend with her sexy assets and chocolate brown eyes colors her way into his heart one comic at a time and makes him feel things he doesn’t think he can live up too.

Can small town and big city find their happy ever after in Cape Van Buren or is love just another shipwrecked, romantic notion? 

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In Draw You In (Cape Van Buren #3.5) by MK Meredith, Sage Matthews is determined to keep her grandfather's legacy alive, but in order to do just that she needs to find a way to convince Parker Edwards that the paper is worth saving, especially when he wants to digitize it. However, the more time they spend together, the more Sage finds herself falling for the guy that could take away her dream job and ruin her chance to save her grandfather's legacy. Will Sage put her trust in Parker or will she walk away from her shot at happy ever after?

This is an absolutely wonderful series and this novella is an enthralling, fast-paced, marvellous addition to it. Really, the main characters are incredible due to their back stories and their growing relationship, the secondary characters bring that little extra something special to the story, especially the town mavens in Evette and Mexine; and the dialogue was highly entertaining and had me laughing at the antics of several characters including Sage with the new cartoon character she creates.

The way this story started drew me in immediately, as Sage is back in town and ready to find love since Cape Van Buren seems to be the place for finding happiness lately. Will she find The One? However, it was from the moment where Sage and Parker meet where this story gets really interesting, as Sage is determined in her pursuit of not wanting the paper to be digitized. Will she be able to convince Parker that the paper should stay in print and not be digitized? 

With the main characters, both were relatable, likeable and I so enjoyed their back stories, especially Parker's. He's been trying to gain his grandfather's approval for years and I could understand why he takes on the opportunity to finally show his grandfather that he has what it takes to succeed with the task he's been given in turning things around for the The Van Buren Tribute. Will he show his grandfather that he has what it takes to get the job done? Will he finally win his grandfather's approval after all the years he's felt he hasn't measured up? Why does his grandfather always act the way he does towards Parker?

While the heroine, she's resilient, courageous, smart; funny at times, especially when she's pushing the hero's buttons with her cartoons; and I liked how determined she was to win Parker over to her side. I also liked the close friendships she shares with several of the secondary characters and how protective they are when it comes to her growing relationship with Parker. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is that she gives the hero a chance, even though she could get hurt if things don't go her way with the paper. 

Overall, Ms. Meredith has delivered another exceptional read for this series where the chemistry between Parker and Sage was off-the-charts; the romance was nicely-detailed and had me loving these two together; and the ending was heart-warming and had me loving the hero's determination to show the heroine that she's the one for him. Luckily, there's a way to compromise when it comes to what the hero and heroine want for the Van Buren Tribute. I would recommend Draw You In by MK Meredith, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Marina Adair, Catherine Bybee, Jill Sanders and Miranda Liasson. I would also recommend this entire series, especially if you enjoy small town romances with well-developed characters and entertaining dialogue that will keep a reader entertained from start to finish.

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: NEVER EXPECTED YOU by JODY HOLFORD

When Zach Mason, former army sergeant turned veterinarian for war-wounded animals, returns home, the decision to stay is easy. But convincing the only other vet in town to hire him is a good deal harder. It doesn’t help that the beautiful, intelligent, and stubborn Stella Lane is determined to make his life hell.

Stella doesn’t take outside help easily—she’s been let down in the past, most recently by her ex, just as she’d begun to plan their wedding. Trusting Zach with her animals is one thing, but trusting him with more is a hard pass. Too bad the handsome vet is nothing but temptation. And her new roommate...

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In Never Expected You (Love Unexpected #2) by Jody Holford, Zach Mason wants in on the ever busy veterinary practice that Stella Lane runs. However, Stella wants nothing to do with him and Zach realizes winning her over will be harder than he thought. Yet, he's persistent and figures he'll be able to wear her down sooner or later. Will Zach be able to convince Stella to take a chance on him or will their shot at happy ever after never be?

I absolutely love Ms. Holford's writing and I've got to say that this second book of her Love Unexpected series was a wonderfully-written, fast-paced, entertaining read that I really enjoyed from start to finish because of the well-developed main characters that have interesting back stories and compelling dialogue that had me loving the hero's determination to win the heroine over. The way this story started had me liking the hero and heroine immediately, as the hero doesn't mean to deceive the heroine, but she doesn't make it easy for him not to. Will he be able to get a word in edgewise?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and I could understand why the heroine finds it hard to trust after what she went through with her ex. Will she let Zach in? How long will it take Zach to win Stella over? Moreover, both the main characters were fascinating due to their back stories and had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether these two would be able to help each other heal from their pasts, especially since the hero is good for Stella. She needs someone that will stay by her side through thick and thin and love her unconditionally. 

With the heroine, I couldn't help but sympathize with all she's been through because her ex did a real number on her. Yet, in saying that, I thought she was a little too stubborn in not letting someone else in all because of her ex. To me, that felt as if she was letting her ex win and hold her back from the sort of happiness she deserved. While the hero, he's confident, charming, persistent when it comes to getting what he wants and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over because it's palpable she needs help at her clinic. She's running herself ragged to do everything she can to keep her family legacy alive. I also liked the close relationship the hero has with his mother and that he would do anything for her, which is proven by what his mother convinces him to do at one of the town events. 

Overall, Ms. Holford has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful and had me glad that the heroine took a chance on the hero; the secondary characters entertained me just as much as the main ones and I loved the advice they offer; and the ending had me loving the hero's determination to make things right with the heroine after their relationship goes awry. No way will he let the woman he loves get away. Not without doing everything in his power to prove to her that they belong together. However, it was the epilogue that left me smiling long after I finished this story because of something the heroine tells the hero that makes him so happy. I would recommend Never Expected You by Jody Holford, if you enjoy contemporary romance, workplace romances or books by authors Vivian Arend, Barbara Freethy, Victoria James and Sinclair Jayne.

Stella Lane was unlike any woman he’d ever met. Such a combination of stubborn pride and soft kindness. Not to mention drop-to-his-knees fucking gorgeous. She was the kind of woman a man didn’t get over. Or at least, he wouldn’t.

“You going to keep staring at me or are we going to play some pool ?” Stella rubbed the end of the stick with the blue chalk, her eyes dancing in a way he hadn’t seen before. Should have known she’d be competitive.

“I like staring at you. It’s a good view,” he said, racking up the balls.

“An off-limits view,” she reminded, coming around to break.

“Remind me why that is again.”

She’d started to lean over the table but stopped. “Why what is again?”

He didn’t know why he was stirring up a conversation like this when he agreed whole-heartedly with her views. But other parts of his body strongly disagreed.

“I kind of get the whole we work together thing, so we shouldn’t, but I get the impression you keep yourself off-limits in general. Haven’t seen any suitors showing up at our door. Who broke your heart, Doc?”

A flash of hurt widened her eyes and was gone before he could be sure he saw it. But it was as if his heart recognized it. He knew she’d been hurt. But seeing it in her face made him want to smack heads together.

“Tell you what; since I have a few questions of my own, why don’t we say every time one of us makes a shot, the other has to answer a question. Honestly.”

He stepped into her space, brushed a lock of hair off her cheek. “I’m always honest.”

Stepping back, she smiled and set herself up to break. She looked over her shoulder at him, caught him checking out her ass, and smirked. “Do we have a deal?”

He was a good shot, so he nodded. He wanted to know more about her, whatever it took.

She sent the white ball blazing across the felt and the rest of the balls scattered. A striped one went into the corner pocket.

“First shot doesn’t count,” he said.

Stella glared at him and walked around the table. “Don’t cheat. I’m stripes and you owe me an answer.”

“Fine. But you know what they say about payback.”

Stella paused, looking at the table before deciding where to shoot. “That’s the second time you’ve said that with no follow through. I’m not scared. Where was your first time?”

He smirked. Cute. But, in his opinion, she’d wasted a question. “Texas. I was nineteen.”

Stretching, she set the cue so she could hit a bank shot, but missed. Unfazed, she walked over to him. “Why didn’t you come back to Brockton sooner?”

Zach’s throat went dry. Because he’d associated “making it” with a dollar amount. Once he’d been able to sink his money into a tangible future in the place he loved, he’d set his plans in motion. . “You didn’t sink your last shot. My turn.”

He went to the end of the table and lined up a shot, then sank it. He wanted real answers. “Why’d your last relationship end?”

Even as he moved to line up his next shot, he saw her face go pale. His stomach cramped—he wanted her to open up but he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable.

Stella’s fingers tightened around her cue. “He asked me to marry him. I said yes. When I tried to make plans to move forward, he kept stalling. Then I asked him about coming back here to live and he told me he’d never wanted to marry me in the first place. I was convenient and a really good vet.

Jody Holford is a multi-published author who has a soft spot for happily ever after. So much so, she tattooed the words on her arm. She’s a mom and a wife, a friend, sister, daughter, teacher, and book-lover. Her stories have a little heat and a lot of heart. And maybe, some swoon-worthy moments that will make you smile. 

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: A ROSE IN THE HIGHLANDS by HEATHER McCOLLUM

1684, Scottish Highlands

Englishwoman Evelyn Worthington is resolved to build a school for ladies in her brother’s newly purchased Scottish castle. But when she arrives, not only does she find the castle scorched by fire, but a brawny Highlander bars her entry.

Clan chief Grey Campbell would rather die than see his family home, Finlarig Castle, fall into English hands, so Grey must win the battle of wills with the beautiful Sassenach who flashes a bill of sale before him.

When the war between Evelyn and Grey escalates, passions flare. But outsiders have their own plans for Finlarig. After secrets are revealed, and muskets are lit, the fates of the Campbell Clan, the school, and a possible future for Grey and Evelyn are in as much jeopardy as their lives.

 

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In A Rose in the Highlands (Highlands Rose School #1) by Heather McCollum, Evelyn Worthington is determined to escape the situation she's found herself in. In order to avoid marrying a man she wants nothing to do with, she has to find a way to be independent. However, when she arrives at the castle her brother has purchased, she finds it is already inhabited by the people that once owned the land and they're not willing to give it up without a fight. Will Evelyn be able to get Grey Campbell on her side or will they both lose when trouble arrives; trouble that could put an end to the happy ever after they truly deserve together?

What a brilliant start to this series Ms. McCollum has delivered in this first book of her Highlands Rose School series where the plot was an absolute page turner due to the obstacles these two face to be together; the dialogue was compelling and had me liking how much of a challenge the heroine provided the hero; and the main characters were absolutely entertaining and had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether the hero would be able to win the heroine over. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as the heroine isn't about to let the hero send her on her way. Not when she has so much to do in order to show her brother she can be independent and doesn't want to marry a man she's been promised to. Will the heroine get her way?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and I could understand why the heroine is so determined to gain her independence. Why should she have to marry a man she wants nothing to do with? Moreover, both the main characters were compelling and I loved the obstacles these two face to be together including the trouble Evelyn faces when it comes to her betrothed and whether she'll ever be free to be with Grey. 

With the heroine, she's resilient, courageous, driven in her pursuit to get the school she wants to open up and running and I liked how much of a challenge she provides the hero. She's there to stay and not going anywhere, even after discovering things that make it hard not to want to give the hero what he wants most. I also liked the heroine's determination to fight for her chance with the hero when things become dangerous because love is worth fighting for. Then again, she must fight for the people she loves too in her family. No way can she lose anyone else. While the hero, he's been through so much and I could understand his hostility towards the heroine because her people (the English) were responsible for so much hurt. Will Grey and his family get their revenge or justice for crimes committed against them? I also liked how the hero's opinion of the heroine changes. She's different in the way she really cares for people unlike some of her fellow countrymen. 

Overall, Ms. McCollum has delivered a fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance was delightful and had me loving these two together; and the ending had me worried for the main characters, but had me liking how determined these two were to fight for their happy ever after. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as the hero and heroine are so happy together. I would recommend A Rose in the Highlands by Heather McCollum, if you enjoy Historical Romance, the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Stacy Reid, Jennifer Trethewey, Kerrigan Byrne and Lori Ann Bailey. 

To celebrate the release of A ROSE IN THE HIGHLANDS, we’re giving away for a $25 Amazon gift card!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open internationally. One winner will be chosen to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Entangled Publishing.  Giveaway ends 9/28/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Entangled Publishing will send one winning prize, Pure Textuality PR will deliver the other. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

HEATHER MCCOLLUM is an award winning, historical paranormal and YA romance writer. She earned her B.A. in Biology, much to her English professor’s dismay. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood of 2009 Golden Heart finalists. The ancient magic and lush beauty of Great Britain entrances Ms. McCollum’s heart and imagination every time she visits. The country’s history and landscape have been a backdrop for her writing ever since her first journey across the pond. When she is not creating vibrant characters & magical adventures on the page, she is roaring her own battle cry in the war against ovarian cancer. Ms. McCollum recently slayed the cancer beast and resides with her very own Highland hero, rescued golden retriever & 3 kids in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast.

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: MAKE ME FALL by SARA RIDER

Enemies make the worst neighbors, but the best lovers in Sara Rider’s MAKE ME FALL, the second book in her standalone Books & Brews series. Eli doesn’t have a lot of sympathy for his uptight neighbor, Nora, until he hears about her “un-datable” status and all it takes is one disastrous date with Nora for Eli to fall hard. Fans of Lauren Layne, Jenny Holiday’s ONE AND ONLY, and THE FINE ART OF FAKING IT by Lucy Score will devour this opposites attract, fun buy sexy romance. 

Make Me Fall

Books & Brews #2

By Sara Rider

Releasing September 24th, 2018

Self-Published

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Enemies make the worst neighbors, but the best lovers

After losing her job, her home, and her friends in her divorce, Nora Pitts is determined not to make the same mistakes when she starts over in the small town of Shadow Creek, Washington. No more slaving away in the lab at the expense of her social life, and definitely no more men. Ever. But making friends in her thirties is so much harder than she anticipated. And when it comes to her gorgeous yet obnoxious neighbor, it’s a whole lot easier to make enemies.

Eli Hardin doesn’t have a lot of sympathy for his uptight neighbor, until he overhears her so-called new friends making fun of her un-datable status. Suddenly he finds himself volunteering for a date with a woman who’s been leaving angry hate-notes in his mailbox, and in way over his head. Because all it takes is one disastrous date with Nora for Eli to fall hard.

But falling for Eli isn’t something Nora’s ready for—not when he’s her complete opposite, and especially not when he turns out to be the best friend she’s made in Shadow Creek. But as her attraction and her feelings for Eli grow hotter, resisting him might just lead to heartbreak anyway. 

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In Make Me Fall (Books & Brews #2) by Sara Rider, Nora Pitts lost everything when she walked away from her marriage including the one thing that was really important to her -- her job. So, she's found herself settling into life at Shadow Creek and working hard to get her life back on track. She doesn't have time for distractions -- especially a man -- but her next door neighbor, Eli Hardin, is difficult to ignore. Will Nora ever be able to put her trust in a man again or will she walk away from her chance at happy ever after and break Eli's heart in the process?

Having absolutely loved the first book of this series, which was the first book I've read by Ms. Rider, I couldn't wait to read more of her work and I've got to say that I was just as impressed with this story as I was with the first book, Real Kind of Love. Really, there was so much to like about the hero and heroine that are relatable, complete opposites and start off as enemies and have such interesting back stories that just had me wanting to learn more about them. However, it was from the moment Eli and Nora come face-to-face for the first time where this story really comes alive, as Nora wants nothing to do with her neighbor. Unfortunately, he makes it difficult for her not to want to tell him off. So, why shouldn't she use an easier form of communication to get her point across and make her neighbor understand things the heroine thinks he needs to know?

With the dialogue, it was very entertaining and intense due to the main characters back stories, but had me liking the sometimes playful banter between the hero and heroine, especially at the start with the nickname the heroine gives the hero that had me wanting to learn why she calls him what she does. Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave in getting on with her life after losing so much due to the divorce and I liked that she gave the hero a chance, even though she knows she could get hurt since she cares for Eli more than she ever cared for her ex. I also liked the close relationships she has with some of the secondary characters and how she stands up to those that don't deserve to be her friend. 

While the hero, he's confident, charming, protective of the heroine and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over because they're good for each other. I also liked the tight friendship the hero shares with his best friend and with his sister; a sister that pushes him to do something he usually avoids because he needs to heal and let go of the guilt he holds for what happened to someone they both loved. Will the hero ever be able to get past his guilt?

Overall, Ms. Rider has delivered a wonderful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the romance proves that opposites do attract; and the ending had me loving the hero's determination to prove to the heroine that he's willing to do whatever it takes to make their relationship work. Yet, what I liked most of all about the ending was the decision the heroine makes all because of some good advice. I would recommend Make Me Fall by Sara Rider, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Kristen Callihan, Pippa Grant, Jenny Holiday and Kate Clayborn.

Eli marked off twenty-six and three-quarter inches as precisely as he could and lifted the blade of the circular saw.

“Oh my God, I soooo wasn’t kidding,” one of the women next door said loudly. “Nora really does need to get laid.”

His shoulders tensed. This wasn’t the first time he’d overheard the women loudly shit-talking his neighbor behind her back. He had no idea why she hung out with them.

“Maybe you should set her up with someone,” another woman added.

The other two laughed. “Can you imagine Nora on a date? She’s so uptight and frigid. Who would want to date her? No lay is worth that kind of torture. Can’t you just picture her busting out her bottle of sanitizer before the poor sap tries to hold her hand?”

His jaw tensed and he felt the last of his patience snap like an icicle in his warm hands. He sliced the saw through the wood, threw his protective glasses onto the ground, and marched over to the waist-high chain link fence. “I’d do it.”

All three women turned to look at him like he was a space alien who’d just beamed down to earth. The one who’d been talking the most leaned forward in her seat. “What did you just say?”

“You heard me. I’d go out with her.”

“You can’t be serious.”

The more this woman pushed, the more he wanted to put her in her place. No, Nora was not the kind of woman he would normally ask out—mainly because she was one of the few who didn’t seem to fall for his charm. In fact, he was pretty sure she didn’t think he had any charm whatsoever, but she was attractive and smart enough to read a book every month. That alone made her more dateable than half the population in this town. “Sure as hell am.”

The woman leaned forward, smiling at him like he was freshly caught prey in her snare. “If you’re looking for a date, I could show you a much better time.”

He shrugged, keeping his fake smile on his face. “No thanks. Backstabbing and mean isn’t my type.”

He probably enjoyed the shocked look on the woman’s face a little too much, but it was seriously fucking rude to trash-talk the hostess while sitting on her porch and eating her canapés.

The screen door slid open right at that moment. Nora walked out with a plate of decadent-looking mini-chocolate cakes that made his mouth water on sight. Her eyes darted from her friends to him and back again. “Um, what’s going on?”

He rested his hands against the old chain-link fence. “What’s going on is that your so-called friends are talking trash about your love life behind your back and don’t seem to think you can get a date. So I volunteered.”

“You what?”

“Volunteered. You and me. Tomorrow night at seven. I’ll drive.”

She slammed the cake tray onto the coffee table and set her hands on her hips. She looked around, like she couldn’t decide where to focus her anger. Of course she settled on him. “Who says I’d want to go out with you?”

He raised his eyebrow, liking the way she got flustered around him a little too much. “Got better plans?”

Even at the distance between them, he could see her suck in a breath. Her mouth hardened into a flat line, but she didn’t say no.

“Tomorrow. Seven. Dinner. Oh, and consider making new friends who aren’t so damn mean. These ladies don’t deserve any of those amazing-looking cakes.” He grabbed his plank of wood and headed into the house, wondering what the hell he’d just gotten himself into.  

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Sara Rider writes contemporary romance full of heart, heat, and happily ever after. She lives in British Columbia with her husband and daughters. She spends far too much time in public libraries and never leaves the home without her e-reader stuffed in her purse.

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