Monthly Archives: March 2019

The Soccer Player and The Single Mom by Kyra Jacobs – a Review

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The Soccer Player and The Single Mom by Kyra Jacobs – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play / BAM

 

Description:
For most women, working for a sexy soccer star would be a dream come true. All except single mom Felicity Shaw. She has no interest in playing personal assistant for a stubborn, injured playboy—no matter how nice his abs are. But with bills piling up and mouths to feed, she can’t say no to the job. That’s when it gets interesting. 

The last thing Scott Gillie wants or needs is a persistent and entirely too distracting PA while he’s recuperating in his small hometown. Unfortunately, it’s not up to him. Then Felicity and her son end up temporarily moving in—all thanks to his meddlesome grandmother. Now temptation is right across the hall and it’s driving Scott crazy. His only option is to fight fire with fire. He never expects Felicity to do the same.

 

 

Review:

I’ve read a few of Kyra Jacobs books now and they’ve been a fun read.  So I looked forward to reading The Soccer Player and the Single Mom.

Felicity is a single mum struggling to make ends meet, she loses her job after the factory she worked in closed. And when she gets the chance of a job (a chance meeting in the doctor’s) she jumps at the chance, (well the agent for the soccer player makes her an offer she can’t really turn down) 

Scott needs to get back on track, before his career ends forever, convalescing at his grandmother’s home he has to put up with a bossy female and her son. He has a few issues that he needs to work through. His past makes him wary, but there is something about Felicity that makes him stop and think. 

Felicity is a no nonsense woman, and at first she really isn’t interested in Scott’s attempts at seduction. She knows he is only passing the time away before he leaves this small town. 

The attraction between Felicity and Scott was fun to read. The to and fro between them was funny. Add a few misunderstandings made for an interesting read. And the meddling from Edna and Tyler (his grandmother and Felicity’s son) was really cute. 

Will he stay in this small town? Or will he get fit and move on ? Will Felicity fall for his patter or keep her heart under lock and key? 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

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Misadventures with a Book Boyfriend (Misadventures Series) by Victoria Blue-Review Tour

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Misadventures with a Book Boyfriend (Misadventures Series) by Victoria Blue-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / iBooks /

 ADD to Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 5, 2019

A washed-up model at the age of 27, Oliver Connely has gone from being a household name to barely making the rent. It’s time to think fast—and cash in big—with a can’t-miss idea inspired by the passion he sees in a handful of romance novel fans. Book Boyfriend Incorporated is born.

Can’t. Miss.

Right?

Except for the unexpected glitches Oliver’s business plan doesn’t cover—like falling for one of his “lonely lady” clients, Bailey Hardin, a politician’s wife who’s as smart and loyal as she is beautiful and sexy. Their chemistry, instant and scorching, is already a problem—but when Bailey’s husband turns up dead, the pair quickly learns they’re facing more than a simple PR nightmare.

The mess intensifies when Oliver’s best friend decides to put a bid in for the freshly vacated city manager position, ensuring Oliver is now caught between his longtime best friend and his new ladylove. The clock is ticking, and the political scandal is growing. Tough decisions must be made—especially because, for the first time in Oliver’s life, matters of his heart are on the line.

***Misadventures is a romantic series of spicy standalone novels, each written or co-written by some of the best names in romance. The stories are scandalous, refreshing, and, of course, incredibly sexy. They’re the perfect bedside read, a ‘quick blush’ for the reader who loves a page-turning romance.

••••••••••

REVIEW:Misadventures with a Book Boyfriend begins with Oliver Connely worrying about his future. He had the world by the tail as a male model. Household name? Check. Good looks? Check. And, unfortunately over the hill at 27? Check. His agent hasn’t called and Oliver is getting desperate. He is getting behind on his rent and doesn’t want to rely on his best friend and roommate, Skye. While he is poolside at his complex, he overhears some older women talking about a book that they had been reading and he has an idea. Why not start a company a company that feeds off of women’s passion for the romance novels they read?

After talking with one of the women in particular, he comes up with the name for his company: Book Boyfriend, Inc. and she becomes his ‘go to’ when he has questions. He places an ad and it doesn’t take long for someone to book a date with her favorite romance novel character. The first thing Oliver has to do is to get serious and actually read the books so that he can arrive in character.

His first date is a success, and more follow. What he didn’t count on was the feelings he developed for his very first client. As Oliver glides through his dates, he encounters his first client and learns that she has been thinking about him too. What follows not only changes their lives, but the lives of a lot of people around them.

Misadventures with a Book Boyfriend started off with a very intriguing premise, but, at least for me, veered into something quite different. Oliver basically becomes a male escort. Baily, his first date, is married (not a spoiler here, it’s in the blurb) and her husband ends up dead. Oliver’s best friend, Skye, gets caught up in the political mess that is Baily’s husband’s death as well. Oliver and Baily work together to try and figure out the political mess and fall for each other even more. Of course, everything works out in the end, but the story felt a little forced for me. I don’t feel that there was really enough character development, but the characters were likeable overall, maybe just not believable. As I said before, it has intriguing premise, but it fell a little short for me.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

Victoria Blue lives in her own portion of the galaxy known as Southern California. There she finds the love and life sustaining power of one amazing sun, two unique and awe inspiring planets and three indifferent, yet comforting moons. Life is fantastic and challenging and every day brings new adventures to be discovered. She looks forward to seeing what’s next!

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Run To You (100 Series #4) by Lara Adrian-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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Run To You (100 Series #4) by Lara Adrian-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

RUN TO YOU
100 Series #4
by Lara Adrian
Release Date: February 19,2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 19, 2019n.

Once a celebrated model, Evelyn Beckham dominated the fashion runways of New York, Paris, and Milan. But life under the lights nearly destroyed her, and at the height of her career she walked away from it all. Now, five years later, Eve’s built a new life at the helm of Manhattan’s premier high-end lingerie boutique, L’opale. Chosen to design the bridal ensemble for billionaire Dominic Baine’s fiancée, Avery Ross, it seems Eve’s stars have finally realigned—until her return to the spotlight thrusts her into the crosshairs of a danger that’s been watching from the shadows, waiting for the chance to strike.

Gabriel Noble didn’t go to war to become a hero, but when he returned from the battlefield in Afghanistan it was with a chest full of medals and a broken body filled with shrapnel. Losing his leg derailed more than Gabe’s career, and when no one else was willing to take a chance on him, Baine International put him on their security team. Now, Gabe would do anything for Dominic Baine—including keeping a covert, protective eye on beautiful Evelyn Beckham as a personal favor to his boss and friend. But keeping Eve safe means keeping her close, and soon the lines between duty and desire begin to blur into a consuming passion too powerful to be denied. With Eve’s life in escalating peril and her faith in him certain to shatter, Gabe will have to risk everything to protect her while facing the most intense fight of his life . . . the battle for Eve’s heart.

•••••••••

REVIEW: RUN TO YOU is the fourth instalment in Lara Adrian’s contemporary, adult 100 SERIES erotic, romance series. This is twenty-seven year old US army veteran and security specialist Gabriel Noble, and former model/lingerie designer Evelyn Beckham’s story line. RUN TO YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. Evelyn is the sister of Andrew Beckham, business partner to billionaire Dominic Baine (100 Series 1-3).

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gabe and Evelyn) RUN TO YOU follows the building relationship between twenty-seven year old US army veteran and security speciality Gabriel Noble, and former model/lingerie designer Evelyn Beckham. Gabriel is the new head of security for Baine International but his latest assignment involves a woman he can’t get out of his head or his heart. Evelyn Beckham’s L’opale lingerie boutique comes under the control of Baine Security, and as such Gabriel has taken it upon himself to ensure Evelyn’s safety when a series of questionable incidents places our heroine in the direct line of fire. Desperate to protect his only sister, Andrew Beckham, and Dominic Baine assign Gabriel to watch over Evelyn, an assignment that grows into something more. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Gabe and Evelyn, and the potential fall-out as the truth about Gabe’s assignment is revealed, and Evelyn’s ‘stalker’ is determined to take her at any cost.

Evelyn Beckham’s history is ugly and raw, as she desperately tries to re-establish herself in the fashion world, a world she once ruled until everything came crashing down. Meeting Gabriel Noble gave Evelyn hope for a happily ever after but Gabriel doesn’t do relationships as he struggles with his own demons of family and war.

The relationship between Gabriel and Evelyn is one of immediate attraction but their first meeting is acerbic and intense. Gabriel has no idea as to whom Evelyn is or was, and struggles in the face of his attraction to a woman he is being paid to protect. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and energetic : Dominic Baine and his fiancé, artist Avery Ross, as well as Evelyn’s brother Andrew Beckham. We are introduced to Gabriel’s brother Jake who takes an interest in Gabe’s fellow veteran and amputee Kelsey O’Connor; Gabe’s mother and father; lingerie designer Katrina, and frequent customer Walter Hennings.

RUN TO YOU is a story of family, misunderstanding, obsession and love. The premise is engaging, suspense-filled and seductive; the characters are strong, resilient and charismatic; the romance is hot, and provocative. RUN TO YOU is the first in a series of stand alones in the author’s 100 Series world. I am looking forward to Kelsey and Jake’s story line.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
For 100 Days
For 100 Nights
For 100 Reasons

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Gabriel’s gaze sears me as it travels every inch of my face. This man is steady and strong, but he burns hot. I can feel the intensity of his arousal in the heat that fills the space between us. I can see how tightly reined he manages his control, but he is on the verge of losing it.

He reaches out, stroking his thumb along my jawline. His fingers splay against my cheek and a moan builds in my throat. He shakes his head, whether in warning to me or himself, I can’t be certain.

“Do I want you, Evelyn? Hell, yes. You’re all I thought about after I got home last night. And today, I couldn’t get here fast enough, just to see you again.”

“Stop.” The word gusts out of me on a sigh. “Stop saying all the right things.”

“I’m just being honest.”

“Maybe you’re just saying what you know I want to hear. Maybe you’re just looking to put a notch in your bedpost. Another conquest to brag about.”

“Do I strike you as the kind of man who would do any of those things?”

“No . . . I don’t know.” God help me, I’ve never known a man who could strip away my defenses like Gabriel Noble is doing now. I cling to my indignation, but it’s a wall made of sand.

He lifts my chin on the edge of his knuckles. “Well, I’m not that kind of man. And if I were, you would’ve already been naked beneath me—either in one of our beds, or right up against your car in the parking lot last night.”

Author Bio:

LARA ADRIAN is a New York Times and #1 international bestselling author with nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide and translations licensed in more than 20 countries. Lara’s Midnight Breed vampire romance series has been hailed as “one of the best paranormal series around” (Fresh Fiction). Lara’s recent venture into steamy, suspenseful contemporary romances has won praise from readers and reviewers alike, who rave that “Adrian simply does billionaires better” (Under the Covers) and “can impress in any genre” (Romance Readers Retreat). Learn more about the author and her books at www.LaraAdrian.com.

Author Links:

Website: www.LaraAdrian.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/LaraAdrianReaders
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UjQbOk
BookBub: http://bit.ly/BBfollowLara
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GRfollowLara
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaraAdrianBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laraadrianbooks/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/laraadrian/

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider.

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Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

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Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Returning to their hometown isn’t something the Bradshaw brothers ever thought they’d do. But a family tragedy has reunited them in Benevolence, Washington–where second chances, reignited dreams, and real love are never far away . . .

Texas rancher Flynn Bradshaw has his work cut out for him. His sister-in-law, Sunday, is finally home after the car crash that killed her husband and left her critically injured. But Flynn still has to get her failing ancestral farm up and running while looking after his six nieces and nephews. He prefers wide open spaces and working solo. Yet as he tries to get the grieving Sunday to care about her life again, he’s finding a chance for love that’s closer than he ever expected . . .

Even before the accident, Sunday struggled to keep the farm afloat as her once-happy marriage crumbled. Now with her body still recovering, she can’t seem to get back the hope she once had. But as she reconnects with her children, Flynn’s dedication, love for the land, and caring slowly inspire her to dream again. Is their growing affection enough to help them through unresolved pain–and risk trying for a future together?

 

 

Review:

Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy is the 3rd book in her The Bradshaws series. In Home at Last we return to Benvolence, Washington, where the Bradshaw brothers take their turn in helping their deceased brother’s family take care of their farm, and help Sunday, who has just returned home, but still suffers the effects of her serious brain damage injury.  Each brother takes his turn to help Sunday and the 6 adopted children. 

Flynn Bradshaw returns home to take his turn in helping bring the farm and the family’s finances back in order.  He plans to spend a few weeks, and then return to his home in Texas.  Best laid plans do not always work out. Flynn evaluates the overall situation of the farm and the finances that his brother Matt left his family, and along the way discovers that Matt mismanaged everything, and was having an affair.

Sunday, who is slowly recovering, but still very much unable to remember things, as well as her having difficulty with her mobility.   Her children try hard to help her remember things, but it is Flynn who begins to keep a close eye on Sunday; especially  when she tries to walk around the farm trying to remember.  He ends up helping Sunday from dangerous situations, and though she wants to do it on her own, she knows she needs help.   A slow built friendship begins, as Sunday begins to trust and rely on Flynn’s help; and Flynn finds himself drawn to the beautiful but flawed widow of his brother.   Together, they both come to terms with Matt’s betrayals, which will bring them together even more.

What follows is a heartwarming story of family, heartbreak, forgiveness and love.  I loved Sunday and Flynn together, though we could see that eventually they will end up together, the romance and Sunday’s complete recovery was left open.  It was wonderful to see the family all bond together to help Sunday move forward, and become more active in their daily duties.  Flynn was truly a great hero, helping with fixing up the farm; working with the children; and being there for Sunday. 

Shirlee McCoy once again gives us a heartwarming and emotional story. Home at Last was written so well by McCoy, and her characters were wonderful.  If you enjoy small town romances, family atmosphere, young children, sweet likeable couple, I suggest you start this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Reading Cafe’s 7th Anniversary Celebration Winners

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The Reading Cafe’s 7th Anniversary Celebration Winners

All of us at The Reading Cafe want to take this time to thank everyone for helping celebrate our seventh full year on the web. The month long Anniversary Celebration is now over, and the winners selected and notified. We have been amazed at how close our small community truly is and have enjoyed being able to offer such great giveaways to all of our members.

We want to thank all of the publishers and authors who have graciously donated the wonderful prize packages.

We have been blessed to have been able to meet many wonderful people along the way, as well as to read so many fantastic books from new and established authors, post interviews and offer giveaways from the publishers.

From Barb, Sandy and all of our contributors, we THANK YOU for being a part of The Reading Cafe. As we head into our eighth year, we hope to see you and invite you back to participate in all of our promotions and giveaways. We love introducing new authors to old friends.

The Reading Cafe Team-Sandy, Barb, Vickie, Julie B, Carmen, Marcie, Tricia, Georgianna, Erin, and Xtina

••••••••••••

NOTE: ALL of the winners have been notified, and have responded.

February 1, 2019
$100 Amazon Gift Card
–Angrybird–

February 2, 2019
By the Book/ Life on the Leash/ The Royal Runaway
–Cassondra–

February 3,2019
Midnight Wolf/ Archangel’s Prophecy
–Irene G–

February 4, 2019
FOREVER ROMANCE package
–Kristine R–

February 5, 2019-NO GIVEAWAY

February 6, 2019
ENTANGLED Giveaways
–Elli Gonzalez/ Gabby Ortiz–

February 7, 2019
Covert Game/ Dark Sentinel/ Vengeance Road
–KiJero–

February 8, 2019
BERKLEY ROMANCE packages
–Susan T / Beth Haney–

February 8, 2019
The Pleasure of Passion/The Secret of Flirting/Scandal Above Stairs
–Helynn–

February 9, 2019
Dark Queen/ The Beast’s Heart/The Good One’s/ In Dog We Trust
–Sharlene Wegner–

February 9, 2019
Cross Breed /Serpentine
–Aria Ramdeo–

February 10, 2019
Jewel E Ann Giveaway package
–Jessica Lezama —

February 11, 2019
Eden Summers prize package
-Cheryl Current–

February 11, 2019
Cari Quinn / Taryn Elliott prize package
–JanieC–

February 12, 2019
Sweet Tea and Sympathy/Ain’t She a Peach/Gimme Some Sugar
–Felicia Plastini–

February 13, 2019
Shadow’s Bane/Cross Breed/Midnight Wolf
–Angela–

February 14, 2019
Carly Fall prize package
–Granny Teresa/AF Novice

February 14, 2019
Lauren Smith prize package
–Kim Perry–

February 15, 2019
SOURCEBOOKS prize packages
–Linda Townsend/ Christina Riggs

February 15, 2019
Archangel’s Prophecy/ Shades of Wicked/Ocean Light
–Melissa Ferryman–

February 16, 2019
Samantha Chase prize package
–Susan Rees–

February 16, 2019
Jennifer Hayward $25 Gift Card
–Angie W–

February 17, 2019
Rowankind/Worldshaper/From Unseen Fire
–Kat Valentine–

February 17, 2019
Rainy Day Friends/Dune Drive/Fight or Flight
–Diane Sallans–

February 18, 2019
Katie Reus prize package
–Stormy Vixen–

February 18 2019
Jennifer Estep prize package
–Ginger Robertson/ Karin Anderson/Jamilynn

February 19,2019
The Christmas Room/ All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy/One Perfect Kiss
–Kate Sparks–

February 20, 2019
Alexandrea Weis prize package
–H. Phillips/ Whitney–

February 21, 2019
Lisa Renee Jones prize package
–Kim C/ Ramona Johnson/Anna Nguyen

February 21, 2019
Devoted to Pleasure/Racked and Stacked/All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy
–Maria Proctor–

February 22, 2019
Someone to Trust/Someone To Care/The Other Lady Vanishes
–CL Breeze–

February 23, 2019
Emma Castle prize package
–Melody Silk–

February 23, 2019
MA Abraham prize package
–Belinda Clemmons/Wanda Yeoman

February 24, 2019
Death is Not Enough/Next Year In Havana/How To Find Love in a Bookshop
–Denise Holcomb–

February 24, 2019
Bound for Eden/Bound for Sin/The Kiss Quotient
–Sherry Kinney

February 25, 2019
Deborah Cooke prize package-
–Eileen W–

February 26, 2019
Stolen/The Empire of Ashes
–Barbed1951–

February 27, 2019-NO GIVEAWAY

February 28, 2019
Juliette Cross prize package
–Evelyn E/ Tricia Leary

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Naked Love by Jewel E Ann-a review

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NAKED LOVE by Jewel E Ann-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 28, 2019

What happens when a high-heeled diva goes camping with her sister’s dog?

Avery Montgomery, fashionista and preacher’s daughter, needs a ride from Milwaukee to Los Angeles.

“Make my death quick, and please don’t tie me up. I’m claustrophobic.”

Jake Matthews, diva-hater, agrees to let her tag along on his annual but primitive trek to the West Coast.

“Okay, Princess, I’ll take you to L.A., but your crown won’t make it there in one piece.”

She’s desperate and out of options.
He’s ruthless and out of patience.

Don’t miss this sexy, hilarious, and heart-warming journey of self-discovery and raw … naked love.

••••••••

REVIEW: NAKED LOVE by Jewel E Ann is a contemporary, adult, stand alone romance story line focusing on chef Jake Matthews, and twenty-nine year old massage therapist and fashionista Avery Montgomery. We were first introduced to Avery in the author’s UNDENIABLY YOU.

NOTE: NAKED LOVE was originally released as a newsletter serial.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jake and Avery) NAKED LOVE follows the tempestuous relationship between chef Jake Matthews, and twenty-nine year old massage therapist Avery Montgomery. Avery’s life is about to come crashing down when she discovers she is one of many woman in the life of the man that she loves. Driving cross country to visit her father, with her sister’s dog Swarley in tow, Avery will quickly learn that her father has fallen in love with a woman he met on line, a woman he is about to marry and make his wife. Unprepared for the loss of her business, her home, her car and her money, Avery becomes an unwelcome passenger on a trip back to California with a man who makes her life a living h*ll. Enter chef Jake Matthews, and the man with whom Avery will fall in love. What ensues is the combative relationship between Jake and Avery, and the potential fall-out as Avery’s history with men fractures her tentative truce and relationship with our story line hero.

Jake Matthews takes an immediate dislike to our story line heroine, a woman he determines isn’t worth his time based upon first impressions and past experiences. Jake intends to make Avery’s life miserable at every opportunity including, what I can only describe as over the top behaviour and sometimes thoughtless harassment. Avery Montgomery is caught off-guard as it pertains to Jake’s reaction and dismissive treatment. Vulnerable and broke, Avery is dependant upon Jake for her trip back home but is unprepared for the outdoor adventure Jake is determined to push her through.

The relationship between Jake and Avery struggles in the face of preconceived notions, animosity and Jake’s hostility towards our story line heroine. Jake sees Avery as an entitled princess, and is determined not to care or fall in love but sometimes perception is all in the eye of the beholder. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Avery’s sisters Sydney and her husband Lautner (Undeniably You); Sydney and Avery’s father Tom and his new love Deedy; as well as a number of Jake’s friends and acquaintances that will have a direct affect on Avery’s life.

NAKED LOVE is promoted as a heart warming and hilarious story line, a romantic comedy but I struggled to see beyond Jake’s less than positive treatment of, and attitude towards our story line heroine especially the vicious name calling and hostility. The premise is well-written, detailed and engaging; the characters are energetic and dynamic but the author lost me with the hero’s behavior, a behavior I would not tolerate from anyone I knew. Sometimes what one perceives as funny might come across as forced or cruel to another.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Springtime at Hope Cottage (Sweetwater Creek #2) by Annie Rains-Review & Giveaway

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SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE (Sweetwater Springs #2) by Annie Rains-Review & Giveaway

Springtime at Hope Cottage
Sweetwater Crees #2
by Annie Rains
Release Date: March 5,2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 5, 2019

When opposites attract…

As an editor at a major New York City magazine, Josie Kellum is always on the go…until an injury sidelines her in the small town of Sweetwater Springs. Luckily, her new physical therapist is easy going and easy on the eyes. When their sessions start to heat up, in more ways than one, Josie is intrigued. But she has a city and career she loves waiting for her. So why does the thought of leaving him suddenly feel a lot like leaving home?

Tucker Locklear is just starting to move on after his wife’s death. While he can’t deny his attraction to the gorgeous, vivacious Josie, he won’t risk the pain of losing someone again. The sooner he gets Josie back on her feet and back to her real life, the safer he’ll be. But in Sweetwater Springs, love has a way of mending even the most damaged heart.

•••••••••

REVIEW: SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE is the second instalment in Annie Rains’ contemporary, adult SWEETWATER SPRINGS romance series focusing on the people of Sweetwater Springs. This is thirty–year old, New York journalist and editor Josie Kellum, and widower/ physio-therapist Tucker Locklear’s story line. SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE can be read as a stand-alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Josie and Tuck) SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE follows the building relationship between thirty–year old, New York journalist and editor Josie Kellum, and widower/ physio-therapist Tucker Locklear. Taking some well deserved R&R in Sweetwater Springs Josie will come face to face with her future, physio-therapist and widower Tucker Locklear, a man who struggles to let go of the past. When an ankle injury and a fire back home forces Josie to remain in Sweetwater Springs a little longer, Josie and Tucker will go from client to tenant to friendship to something more. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tucker and Josie, and the potential fall-out as Tucker’s past comes full circle.

Tucker Locklear has loved and lost. Battling with memories from the past, Tuck struggles to let go and move forward including giving himself permission to again, fall in love. Josie Kellum never expected to like the pace and ambience of small-town living but something about Sweetwater Springs and Tucker Locklear may convince Josie to step back and breathe the fresh air.

The relationship between Josie and Tuck begins acrimoniously when Josie mistakenly takes Tucker for a potential threat. A sprained ankle finds Josie needing help from our story line hero, help that comes in the form of physio therapy, and a roof over her head.

The world building continues to focus on small-town living: the people, the businesses, the gossip and the love. We are re-introduced to several of the local characters including Mitch and Kaitlyn (Christmas on Mistletoe Lane #1), police chief Alex Logan, Fudge Shop owner Dawanda; bookstore owner Julia Kent; as well as the introduction of Tuck’s sister and florist Halona, and several phsysio clients including eleven year old Maddie, who struggles with loss of her beloved mother. Alex and Halona’s story is next in SNOWFALL ON CEDAR TRAIL.

SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE is a sweet, heart warming and delightful story of family, friendship, loss and hope. The character driven premise is spirited; the romance is tender- the $ex scenes are all implied; the characters are fun, sassy, and energetic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one-CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Annie Rain’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE and SPRINGTIME AT HOPE COTTAGE to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only

9. Giveaway runs from March 7-11, 2019

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The Sweetest Match by Abby Tyler-Review & Giveaway Tour

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The Sweetest Match by Abby Tyler-Review & Giveaway Tour

 

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2019

She hid secret messages in frosting, thinking no one would notice.

Abby Tyler welcomes you to the witty, well-meaning busybodies of Applebottom, Missouri, where the community takes its pies — and its matchmaking — very seriously.

When Sandy Miller emerges from her shack on the edge of town after eighteen years, she finds a job making tea cakes for a little shop on Town Square.

But then everyone starts spotting secret words of love and longing on her cakes.

Andrew McCallister is the first to admit that he never got over Sandy Miller when she dropped out of high school and disappeared. But now she’s back.

He just has to get the guts to talk to her.

When the town summons the pair to a meeting to plan the school’s centennial bash, Andrew and Sandy discover they are the only two members of the committee. As they attempt to rekindle the long-lost flame, they realize the community must come together for more than an anniversary party. For their new relationship to flourish, the old guard must learn to support their most vulnerable members even when times get hard.

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REVIEW:

The Sweetest Match begins with a town meeting that served up some sweets from the local bakery and decorated by Sandy Miller. The shop owner discovers that there are words ‘hidden’ in the cake decorations that lead everyone to believe that maybe Sandy has a secret crush on someone in town. The women in attendance, pillars of the community, and busy-bodies, make it their mission to find out whom Sandy is secretly pining over…………

Sandy is working in the shop when in walks none other than Andrew McCallister, and the object of her secret crush. The two had been sweet on each other, when another caught her eye and changed the course of her life forever. As Andrew talks to Sandy’s boss, it becomes evident very quickly that something is up when she leaves Andrew and Sandy alone in the shop so that they can catch up. Both are kind of at a loss for words at first, but exchange pleasantries. When Andrew leaves the shop, Sandy finds she is still enamored with him all these years later.

Andrew can’t believe that Sandy is back and working in the bakery. It doesn’t take him long to realize that he is still interested in her, but doesn’t quite know how to go about seeing her again. The town is about to have a huge anniversary celebration and he and Sandy are both invited to be on the committee to plan the activities. Funny that when they show up for the meeting, it’s only the two of them. They laugh and decide that they’ll give the town something to talk about as they head to a local diner to discuss plans for the celebration. What neither counted on was how easy it was to talk to the other and how old feelings have a way of bubbling up.

The Sweetest Match is a wonderfully written story of love, loss and redemption. Sandy Miller is an amazing character. Her devotion to her family, namely her son, will endear her to everyone. But it’s her steadfast belief in right and wrong that will pull you in. Andrew McCallister is a nicely written character as well. He had dreams of leaving his little hometown, but his loyalty to his family kept him there. He never really questioned it and was glad he stayed when he got his second chance with Sandy. The secondary characters are a hoot and totally believable and I hope to read more about them. If you grew up in a small town, like I did, you will certainly be empathetic to the goings on. The Sweetest Match is a real life story with a sweetly developed romance that draws you in. This is the first I’ve read by this author, but certainly won’t be the last. Well done, Abby Tyler! Very well done.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

Abby Tyler loves puppy dogs, pie, and small towns (she grew up in one!) Her Applebottom Matchmaker Society books combine the sweet and wholesome style of romance she loves with the funny, sometimes a-little-too-truthful characters she remembers from growing up in a place where everyone knew everybody’s business.

Author links:

https://twitter.com/AbbyTylerAuthor 
https://www.facebook.com/authorabbytyler/ 
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18698906.Abby_Tyler
https://www.abbytyler.com/

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