Monthly Archives: August 2021

All In With Him (Men of Summer 3) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

Posted on by
11

ALL IN WITH HIM (Men of Summer 3) by Lauren Blakely-Review Tour

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

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58457792

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2021

Once upon a time all I needed was baseball, friends and extracurricular activities. Then everything changed when Declan Steele stormed into my life and upended all my priorities with his heart, his love, his passion.

So my next five-year plan will include this new ground rule—Love big.
Only, that’s easier said than done when my man and I come face to face with hard truths and new troubles about what it means to be all in.

That’s when I learn that finding love isn’t the hardest part.
Keeping it is.

All In with Him is the final novel in the Men of Summer series, and should be read following Winning With Him.

••••••••••

REVIEW: ALL IN WITH HIM is the third and final instalment in Lauren Blakely’s contemporary, adult MEN OF SUMMER erotic, LBGTQ romance series focusing on professional baseball players. This is the continuing story of short stop Declan Steele, and catcher Grant Blackwood. ALL IN WITH HIM should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book two WINNING WITH HIM in which the series was advanced approximately five years.

NOTE: ALL IN WITH HIM contains scenes of MM sexual situations, If you have not read any of the previous instalments there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Declan and Grant) with a final chapter by River, ALL IN WITH HIM continues to focus on the relationship between short stop Declan Steele, and catcher Grant Blackwood. Having lived most of his life in a dysfunctional family, Declan struggles with the possibility of losing the man that he loves. Now cross-town rivals, Declan and Grant become the focus of media rumor, as it pertains to their relationship and how it may affect the game going forward. Grant is a man who wants it all, Decan battles between head and heart believing his earlier years had not prepared him for a future with love.

ALL IN WITH HIM is a story of relationships and friendships, family and happily ever after. The relationship between Declan and Grant is one of acceptance and love-the author has created a world wherein same sex relationships are commonly accepted and approved without the perils of homophobia or discrimination. The secondary characters included several teammates and friends including River and Owen. The premise is heart warming; the romance is edgy; the characters are energetic and colorful. A number of epilogues advance the story several years.

My only complaint was a lack of resolution to the accusations against Grant Blackwood, accusations that could have affected the game of baseball, going forward.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Scoring With Him
Winning With Him

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter–laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

Share

Hitched to the Gunslinger by Michelle McLean – a Review

Posted on by
12

Hitched to the Gunslinger by Michelle McLean – a Review

 

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

 

Description :
Gray “Quick Shot” Woodson is the fastest gun west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, he’s ready to hang up his hat. Sure, being notorious has its perks. But the nomadic lifestyle—and people always tryin’ to kill you—gets old real fast.

Now he just wants to find a place to retire so he can spend his days the way the good Lord intended. Staring at the sunset. And napping.

When his stubborn horse drags him into a hole-in-the-wall town called Desolation, something about the place calls to Gray, and he figures he might actually have a shot at a sleepy retirement. His optimism lasts about a minute and a half.

Soon he finds himself embroiled in a town vendetta and married to a woman named Mercy. Who, judging by her aggravating personality, doesn’t know the meaning of her own name. In fact, she’s downright impossible. But dang it if his wife isn’t irresistible. If only she’d stop trying to steal his guns to go after the bad guys herself. There goes his peace and quiet…

 

Review:

Hitched by a Gunslinger by Michelle McLean is a historical western romance. Had to laugh at our gunslinger he really was a lazy bum!! Any chance at a nap he took it ?

Mercy needs help! After her father died (an accident they say! Mercy says Murder!) she’s had nothing but hassle from the local landowner, he wants her land and he’s offering money or marriage! Neither is on Mercy’s mind and certainly not him! She loved her father (even though he was a drunk and a gambler) and will farm this land one day with a husband she loves.

Gray just wants some peace and quiet.  Gunslingers don’t get either! Someone is always trying to prove something! Do when his horse decides to stop for a munch on an orchard, Gray has no choice but to wait as the horse has its fill! And from there he becomes embroiled in not only Mercy’s issues but the town as a whole!

Supporting characters like Sunshine was great, a nuisance but just what Gray needs to remind him that he’s human and needs a friend (even though he wants to shoot him most days!). Loved the horse and goat, proper characters that you’ll love ?

The town doesn’t take to him at firs, they only see the gunslinger, but as he grows on the town, they decide to make him sheriff!

This book is easily read in an afternoon, it’s a slow burn between Mercy and Gray. And it’s funny to see them try to grab a little alone time, and are constantly thwarted!

Can Mercy convince Gray to make a go of their marriage and a job as sheriff? And will the landowner get the hint that he’s not wanted by the town and by Mercy?

I love to see sunshine get a story and maybe a HEA for a certain doctor and madam ?

Love this authors writing, you can be assured of laughter, murder and a fun time ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson – a Review

Posted on by
11

The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.

Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer’s feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won’t believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.

To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she’s determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.

 

 

Review:

The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson is a standalone novel, focusing on a library assistant and her determination to fight for her beloved local library that is threatened to be shut down. June Jones, our heroine, is the library assistant, who has never left her hometown, and still lives in her childhood home, even after her mother passed away; as she still grieves the loss of her mother. June’s mother worked for the library, and June learned everything from her.  She is very quiet and shy, but everyone at the library loves her; she is always willing to give recommendations and help people choose the perfect books for them. June works during the day at the library, which she loves, and at night she reads more books, living a quiet and lonely life.  But things are about to change.

At a township meeting, everyone learns about the libraries possibly closing due to lack of funds.  With the threat of the Chalcot Library being closed, many of the local people, who spend much of their time at the library, decide to fight the possible closure; with starting a group called FOCL (Friends of Chalcot Library). June is fully on their side, but since she works for the library, she is threatened with loss of her job if she helps the group.  At first, June steps back, despite the patrons who she has known for years begging her to help them; but when things get heated up, June will push aside her fears, and step forward to help the group. 

Alex Chen, a boyhood school friend, returns to help his father; and a slow build romance begins with Alex and June becoming close. Alex is the one who convinces June to fight for what she believes in.  June finds herself having feelings for Alex, especially when he helps her get past her anxiety issues; but she mistakenly thinks Alex has a girlfriend, and their relationship is set aside.  Will June find the truth about Alex, and win him back?

Alex is also a lawyer, and he secretly helps the group, fighting the demands of the council planning the closure.  I did enjoy the story, even though it was a bit slow early on, but things change so much for the better the rest of the way. I did like many of the quirky characters, who loved June, that were the daily patrons of the library and the group; such as Stanley, Mrs. B, Vera (seniors), and Chantal, who we found ourselves caring about them. Marjorie, June’s boss, wasn’t very likable early, but she too changed later.

What follows is a sweet, heartwarming, even humorous story that was fun and endearing throughout, as well as a great community.   The Last Chance Library was very well written by Freya Sampson, which shows how important libraries are for many people; a place to study, or do research; a place to hang around and talk to people, and to get information on books by the wonderful librarian. I recommend to read this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Share

Give Me A Reason (Redemption Hills 1) by A.L. Jackson-Review Tour

Posted on by
11

Give Me A Reason (Redemption Hills 1) by A.L. Jackson-Review Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper /

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 30, 2021

Eden Murphy came into my club looking to make some extra cash.
A girl like her didn’t belong in a place like this.
She’d get ripped to shreds.
Most likely by me.
There’s nothing but sweetness dripping from her sexy little body, and I’m the monster who’s salivating to get a taste.

Trent Lawson is the last man I should want.
Dark.
Dangerous.
So wickedly gorgeous he makes my knees weak.
He’s also an arrogant jerk who happens to be my new boss.

When I discover his adorable son is also in my kindergarten class, I know I have to keep my distance.

But neither of us can ignore the attraction that flames.
One glance, and our hearts race.
One touch, and we’re aching for what we can’t have.
One night, and we’re falling fast.

Dragging her into my sordid world is wrong.
It doesn’t matter.
Eden Murphy is mine

••••••••

REVIEW:Holy Smoking hot alpha! As a first-time reader of A.L Jackson, I was freaking blown away after reading this book. You want to talk about chemistry between characters? Well Give Me a Reason is the number one topic; I haven’t read a connection between characters this strong since my last Kristen Ashley read. Give Me a Reason is the first in (after reading it) a fantastic new series by A.L Jackson.

Trent and Eden are from two different worlds, one dark and one light. When their worlds collide and Eden walks into Trent’s bar, all bets are off. Nothing can stop the connection between these two, they send off sparks hot enough to make fireworks look shabby. Give Me a Reason is emotional, passionate and moving, you really feel the emotions the characters are going through and the choices they have to live with. I really enjoyed the pieces of Trent’s past as the book progressed, and watching as his relationship with Eden became stronger and stronger. This book really does have it all!

Small town romance feel?
Check!

Bikers?

Check!

Hot spicy scenes that will surely make you blush?

Double check!

This book will grab your attention and hold it until you can’t think of anything but finishing the book. It’s exciting, passionate, funny and sweet. I most definitely think I have found a new author to binge. Overall I give it a five-star review, as a new author for me, that’s rare, but I couldn’t stop smiling while I was reading. If something grabs you like that, well it’s a sure winner for me. I wait with baited breath for the next installment!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, and FALLING STARS novels. Grab her latest stand-alone, GIVE ME A REASON, now!

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Newsletter: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljacksonauthor

Reader Group: https://geni.us/AmysAngelsB

Amazon: https://geni.us/ALJacksonAmznB

Bookbub: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookBubB

Twitter: @aljacksonauthor

Instagram: @aljacksonauthor

TikTok: @aljacksonauthor

 

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

Click HERE to enter the giveaway.

Click HERE to enter the giveaway.

Share

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang – a Review

Posted on by
11

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does, too. Translation: She’s going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable the men, the better.

That’s where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex—he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she has just started to understand herself. However, when tragedy strikes Anna’s family she takes on a role that she is ill-suited for, until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they also have to fight for themselves.

 

 

Review:

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang is the 3rd book in her The Kiss Quotient series.  We meet our heroine, Anna Sun, who is a very talented violinist, currently on leave with burn out.  Her career blossomed when she did a You Tube video, which she ended up with recording deal, an international tour and became a prodigy; but the pressure of expectations from management and fans alike caused a mental block, forcing her to take a leave.  Anna is struggling, especially with her family and her boyfriend, and decides to go to a therapist for help; which will diagnose her with ASD (Autistic Spectrum).  Anna has lost all her confidence, and even allows her family and boyfriend to tell her what to do.  Things will slowly change, when the boyfriend decides to date other people, before they commit to marry each other. Anna will decide to listen to her friends and joins a dating service, to shake up her own life.

Quan Diep, our hero (whom we met in the earlier book), is recovering from a serious cancer battle, that is now fully cured.   When he sees Anna on the dating site, and asks her to meet for dinner.   Anna is surprised to meet Quan, who is not only handsome, but also tattooed and rides motorcycles.  Quan sees the beautiful Anna, and slowly he gets her to talk more, as he senses her shyness; Quan is the perfect man for Anna, as he is patient, and caring.

They end up on a one-night stand, with Quan seeing how scared Anna was, it did not get too far. However, both are attracted to each other, and decide to give it another chance, allowing each to deal with their issues and to begin to trust one another.  In a short time, their relationship escalates to sizzling chemistry, with Anna learning how to enjoy sex, which her boyfriend never gave her satisfaction.  I will say that sex was a major background of this story; but they made such a wonderful couple, which had me rooting hard for them.

Quan is determined to win over Anna’s family, which he knows is going to be difficult. Especially when Anna’s father gets sick, and she has to help be a caregiver for him. I love how Quan was so sweet and wonderful with Anna, slowly helping her learn to get past her anxieties, lack of confidence and moving on with her life.

The Heart Principal was a sensual, emotional, heartwarming, heart wrenching and sexy story.  It was amazing to see Quan help Anna through her fears and anxiety, always being there for her. To say too much more would be spoilers, and you need to read every single page of this book.   There are many sensitive issues throughout, such as Autism, Cancer, Anxiety, Caretaker, Family issues and fears.  But true love will conquer all. This was so well written by Hoang, as she manages to keep us glued to our seats with this wonderful story, with a fantastic couple.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Share

Fatal Recall by Gini Rifkin -a review

Posted on by
11

Fatal Recall by Gini Rifkin -a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2021

Hudson Kincaid prefers the wide-open spaces. But tracking down a serial killer means hanging out in Denver as he investigates neuroscientist Dr. Marilyn Monrose. So far, he can’t figure out if she’s city kitty in high heels, or a country kitten in cowgirl boots?

Marilyn’s experiments using ramped up virtual reality, captures the final moments of each murder victim’s life, a chilling discovery she’s trying to keep secret. The last thing she needs is a determined private detective barging into her lab—no matter how sexy he looks in his Stetson hat.

When word of her research is leaked to the press, Marilyn becomes the killer’s next target.
Now the woman Hudson races to save, is the one who has stolen his heart.

•••••

REVIEW:FATAL RECALL by Gini Rifkin is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romantic, sci-fi, suspense thriller focusing on neuroscientist Dr. Marilyn Monrose, and former Denver police detective turned PI Hudson Kincaid.

Told from third person perspectives FATAL RECALL follows Dr. Marilyn Monrose in the aftermath of a number of murders in the Denver area, all attributed to a possible serial killer. Dr. Marilyn Monrose is a neuroscientist, and her latest high tech, experiments involve wiring the brains of the recently deceased in an effort to ‘see’ their final few moments of life but former Denver police detective turned PI Hudson Kincaid suspects there is more to our heroine than anyone expected, and finds himself walking into a futuristic forensic pathology lab, a lab that government may lay claim to its’ use. Marilyn’s experiments begin to reveal a pattern, a cause, and a possible identity but leave our heroine struggling in the aftermath with blinding headaches, nausea and pain. As the serial killer continues on their spree of murders, Marilyn and Hudson find themselves the victims of numerous crimes, crimes that may or may not be as a direct result of their current investigation. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Marilyn and Hudson, as our couple’s lives begin to spiral out of control when a killer targets our story line heroine.

Dr. Marilyn Monrose must keep her experiments a tightly guarded secret, experiments that center on the final moments of life but when PI Hudson Kincaid begins to suspect Dr. Monrose knows more than she is willing or able to reveal, our heroine finds herself confiding in a man with whom she will fall in love.

We are introduced to Hudson’s friend and police officer Marco Moretti; as well as Hudson’s ex girlfriend and reporter Jennifer, and Marilyn’s onetime romantic involvement Warren Jameson. Here’s hoping the author has plans to write a series involving Hudson and Marilyn, and a story for Marco Moretti, as well.

FATAL RECALL is a story of madness, obsession, murder and revenge. The fast paced premise is intriguing, and thought provoking; the characters are intelligent and energetic; the romance is captivating but mostly implied.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Fearless Rebel (Cocky Hero Club) by Eden Butler-Review Tour

Posted on by
12

Fearless Rebel (Cocky Hero Club) by Eden Butler-Review Tour

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 AUGUST 29, 2021.

Cold.Cruel.Fearless.

Ed Mescal had been all those things.None of them fit.

Rebel.That one did.To the people who loved him, he’d been a brother. A grandson. A friend.

To Piper Warren, he thought, he’d been much more.But lies that get buried are old and ugly once they’re unearthed, something Ed’s enemies are about to discover.

Now he’s back, freed from the past and ready to reclaim the life and love stolen from him.If he can prove that even a rebel deserves a second chance.

•••••••

REVIEW: FEARLESS REBEL by Eden Butler is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line found in the multi-authored Cocky Hero Club World inspired by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. This is construction worker/ Indigenous Navajo American Ed Mescal, and B&B owner Piper Warren’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ed and Piper) FEARLESS REBEL focuses on the second chance relationship between construction worker/ Indigenous Navajo American Ed Mescal, and B&B owner Piper Warren. Five years earlier, Ed Mescal was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit but racism, bigotry and discrimination were, and continue to be a problem in Ed’s hometown of Midland Grove. Fast forward to present day wherein, the charges have been dropped, and the sentence turned over in favour of our story line hero but with his reputation in ruins, and Piper, the girl he once loved continuing to believe the lies, Ed finds himself caught in a town cloaked in secrets, spiralling out of control, with questionable people at the top. What ensues is the second chance, rebuilding romance and relationship between Piper and Ed, and the potential fall-out as Ed continues to find himself the target of intolerance and bias, and the woman he loves, continues to waffle between hate and love.

Ed Mescal has known discrimination all of his life, and his father’s reputation has preceded our hero’s struggle to prove he is worthy of love and respect but someone continues to target Ed, in the wake of his relationship with Piper Warren, a young woman, whose father has connections with questionable interests Piper Warren has loved Ed Mescal for most of her life but perceived betrayal came with heart break and pain, and the sins and lies of a past that painted Ed with the same brush as his troubled forefathers.

The relationship between Ed and Piper imploded the day Ed was accused of stealing money from the local B&B where he worked on the reconstruction, alongside a group of questionable men. Charge with theft, Ed found himself sentenced to prison, a prison where his life continued to spiral out of control. Piper struggled in the ensuing years, believing the man that she loved was a liar and a thief, and with his return, old feelings, once buried return heavy and hard. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Ed’s sister Evie, who married Piper’s brother Alex; Grandfather Tasso, Ed’s cellmate and friend Chance, and his wife Aubrey; B&B co-manager Sam Travis, and an assortment of townies including Maddox Bishop and Red McDonald. The requisite evil has many faces.

FEARLESS REBEL is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, discrimination, racism, power and control. The premise is twisted and impassioned; the romance is tragic and heart breaking; the characters are energetic, vulnerable and targeted.

COPY SUPPLIED FOR REVIEW

Reviewed by Sandy

Eden Butler is an editor and writer of Fantasy, Mystery and Contemporary Romance novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum.

When she’s not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden patiently waits for her Hogwarts letter, edits, reads and spends way too much time watching rugby, Doctor Who and New Orleans Saints football.

She is currently living under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana.
Please send help.

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/36QU4ll
Website: https://www.edenbutler.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eden.butler.10
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edenbutlerwrites/
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/345844502509364
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdenButler_
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eden-butler
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2IU6bWN
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/36Uuzzy

Share

You May Kiss the Groomsman by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

Posted on by
14

You May Kiss the Groomsman by Samantha Chase-Review Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 24, 2021

It seemed like a good idea at the time…

When Josie Sullivan agrees to marry her friend Tyler, it’s just so he’ll get a promotion at work. That’s what friends do, right? But what should have been a quick, quiet affair starts to look like the real thing when his family shows up in the middle of the “proposal.” Now, it’s no longer a quick stop at the courthouse during a lunch break, but a full-blown wedding and there’s nothing Josie can do to stop it.

There was no way he could hold his peace…

Daniel Alexander hasn’t been home in years. After fifteen years as a Navy SEAL, he’s more than ready to return to civilian life. Being away for so long, he’s missed a lot of his younger brother’s life and it seems like he’s back just in time to stop him from making the biggest mistake of his life. No matter how he breaks it down, something’s just not adding up about this wedding and he’s determined to figure out why. And he’s not just trying to stop it from happening because he’s finding himself wildly attracted to the bride-to-be.

Or because they can’t stop kissing each other.

Josie had given up on finding her own happily ever after and as her attraction to Daniel keeps growing, she’s suddenly regretting her decision to help out a friend. Now she just needs to decide if she wants to kiss the groom…or the groomsman.

•••••••

REVIEW: YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN is the third instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult MEET ME AT THE ALTAR romance series focusing on the woman who work for, and own Meet Me at the Altar Wedding and Catering services. This is wedding planner Josie Sullivan, and former Navy SEAL turned security specialist Daniel Alexander’s story line. YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty . Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Daniel and Josie) YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN follows wedding planner Josie Sullivan as she ‘pines’ for a wedding and family of her own. When her best friend Tyler suggests they marry one another for business purposes only, Josie battles between head and heart knowing a marriage of convenience means a marriage without love but when Jose meets former Navy SEAL Daniel Alexander, our heroine, knows there is only one choice, and that choice means turning down the proposal she never wanted to accept. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Daniel and Josie, and the potential fall-out as a lack of communication, heart break and rejection force our heroine to walk away from the man that she loves, possibly losing a friendship in the process.

The relationship between Daniel and Josie is one of immediate attraction but our heroine is easily manipulated by her best friend Ty. If not for meeting Daniel Alexander, Josie would have probably agreed to a marriage of convenience but quickly discovers that she has been taken advantage of, and easily coerced into something she didn’t want to do. Daniel never expected to fall for his brother’s fiancée but something about their ‘relationship’ was awkward and wrong. Falling for Josie was easy, breaking her heart was easier still. There are no $ex scenes-everything fades to black or is mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and well-meaning secondary and supporting characters including Josie’s business partners Lea and Skylar, Josie’s brother Elliott, as well as Josie’s best friend Tyler, and his extended family; and Daniel’s business partners and former Navy SEALs Xander and Knox.

YOU MAY KISS THE GROOMSMAN is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, a definite lack of communication, issues of trust, and heart break and pain. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is sweet and sexy; the characters are challenging and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

The Engagement Embargo
With This Cake

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

Share