Tag Archives: AJ Pine

FINALLY FOUND MY COWBOY by AJ Pine-review

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FINALLY FOUND MY COWBOY (The Murphys of Meadow Valley 2) by AJ Pine

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 9, 2024

Nothing mends the heart quite like a cowboy.
Dancer Beth Spence finally gets a shot at her dream—auditioning for the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. But her audition concludes with a torn Achilles tendon and possibly the end of her dance career. When her sister, Delaney, flies her to Meadow Valley, California to recuperate, she is reluctant to go, but out of options. Beth has no idea that Delaney has set her up with a job managing widower Eli Murphy’s veterinary clinic while staying in the guest house on his ranch. Beth and Eli’s attraction is undeniable, but Beth has every intention of making a full recovery and heading back to New York. Eli has no intention of loving and losing again. Too bad their hearts have other plans.

••••••

REVIEW: FINALLY FOUND MY COWBOY is the second instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult THE MURPHYS OF MEADOW VALLEY romance series -a spin off from the author’s Meadow Valley series. This is thirty year old professional dancer Beth Spence, and veterinarian / widower Dr. Eli Murphy’s story line. FINALLY FOUND MY COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Beth is Delaney’s sister (MY ONE AND ONLY COWBOY-MEADOW VALLEY #1), and Eli is Boone’s brother (HOLDING OUT FOR A COWBOY 1).

Told from omniscient third person perspectives (Beth and Eli) FINALLY FOUND MY COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Three years earlier Dr. Eli Murphy lost his wife to an accident on the ranch, and has struggled to move on with his life. Working the ranch in Meadow Valley, California brings Eli up close and personal with his future in the guise of dancer Beth Spence, a thirty year old woman struggling with a potential career ending injury, and the woman with whom Eli will fall in love . What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Eli and Beth, and the potential fall-out as Beth’s time in Meadow Valley comes to a close.

The world building focuses on loss and recovery as Eli continues to struggle with the guilt of his wife’s death, and his inability to let go but all is not well, as Eli begins to suspect a possible poacher is threatening the ranch. Meanwhile Beth is worried about the end of her dance career, and an injury that is struggling to heal but falling in love was never in the future until Beth meets a man who is battle his own demons.

The relationship between Beth and Eli begins acrimoniously as Beth is ‘forced’ upon Eli as his new office assistant. Beth thought she was going to Meadow Valley to aid in her recovery, never expecting to find herself the face of Eli’s busy veterinarian facility. Eli continues to struggle in the wake of his beloved wife’s death but meeting Beth stirs something long thought dead in our story line hero. The $ex scenes are passionate but fade to black or are mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and dynamic secondary and supporting characters, many of whom were introduced in the previous series: Ivy and Carter (Cowboy to the Rescue ), Delaney and Sam (My One and Only Cowboy ), Charlotte and Ben (Make Mine a Cowboy), Jenna and Colt (Only a Cowboy Will Do), Casey and Boone (Holding Out for A Cowboy).

FINALLY FOUND MY COWBOY is a story of loss and grief, acceptance and moving forward, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is honest and impassioned; the romance is charming and seductive; the characters are spirited and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HOLDING OUT FOR A COWBOY

Copy supplied for review

reviewed by Sandy

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HOLDING OUT FOR A COWBOY by AJ Pine-a review

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HOLDING OUT FOR A COWBOY (The Murphys of Meadow Valley 1) by AJ Pine-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29, 2022

Second chances at success―and at love.
Childhood sweethearts who broke each other’s hearts and are now determined to be friends. Not so easy.
Finding out how to do whatever it takes to live the life you want.
Casey Walsh and Boone Murphy had a bright future together until tragedy tore them apart. Now, more than a decade later, the beauty school dropout runs Meadow Valley’s family tavern and steers clear of the boy who once stole her heart―no small feat in such a small town. When Casey’s car breaks down on the way to an important interview, she’s rescued by none other than Boone himself―on what was supposed to be his wedding day…

Boone Murphy was finally going to put Meadow Valley in his rearview mirror, even if that meant selling his business and leaving his family’s horse ranch behind. It also meant leaving Casey Walsh. Except when it came time to say “goodbye” to his hometown and “I do” to his new life, he couldn’t do it. Now he’s back home and his only dream is winning back the girl he’s always loved…

•••••

REVIEW: HOLDING OUT FOR A COWBOY is the first instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary adult THE MURPHYS OF MEADOW VALLEY romance series-a spin off from the author’s Meadow Valley series. This is thirty year olds, rancher/mechanic Boone Murphy, and Casey Walsh’s second chance story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Casey and Boone) HOLDING OUR FOR A COWBOY follows the rekindling romance and relationship between former childhood sweethearts turned lovers turned enemies Casey Walsh and Boone Murphy. Approximately twelve years earlier Casey Walsh and Boone Murphy’s lives imploded pulling apart our story line couple. Fast forward to present day wherein Boone Murphy, having waited his entire life to rekindle what was, forged a new path towards a future, a future he knew wasn’t for him. An accident, an stranded motorist, and a flash back to the past finds Boone facing the woman he still loved, the woman who never knew the truth about what happened or why. Hoping to rekindle their love, Boone begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine, a woman who continues to move forward, refusing to look back. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Boone and Casey, and the potential fall-out as Boone and Casey continue to struggle with what as and what will never be.

Boone Murphy has some issues of mental health that often affect his day to day life but a required regimen and therapy aids in our hero’s fight towards gaining control but sometimes life throws Boone a curve and a hook, and Boone struggles to keep moving forward. Casey Walsh refuses to dwell on the past, so much so, she is unable to talk about what happened or why. With her head buried in the proverbial sand, Casey keeps her eye on the prize, often forgetting their was more than herself affected by the heart ache and pain.

The relationship between Casey and Boone is one of second chances; a rekindling romance and relationship destroy by by secrets, misunderstanding, grief and loss. Working together towards of new future, Casey continues to have issues of trust, especially as it pertains to the man she once loved. The limited and low heat level $ex scenes are passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include many of whom we met in the original MEADOW VALLEY series including Casey’s best friend Ivy and Carter (Cowboy to the Rescue ), Delaney and Sam (My One and Only Cowboy ), Charlotte and Ben (Make Mine a Cowboy), Jenna and Colt (Only a Cowboy Will Do), as well as Casey’s parents, Boone’s brother Eli; Boone’s ex Elizabeth.

HOLDING OUT FOR A COWBOY is a story of love and loss, grief and misunderstanding, second chances and fate. A ‘Gift of the Magi’ kind of scenario where each will sacrifice for the person they love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken yet determined-the heroine’s inability to address the past is the cause of the most of the story line conflict.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Only a Cowboy Will Do by AJ Pine-Review & Giveaway

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Only a Cowboy Will Do (Meadow Valley 3) by AJ Pine-Review & Giveaway

ONLY A COWBOY WILLL DO
Meadow Valley 3
by AJ Pine
Release Date: March 30, 2021
Genre: adult, contemporary, cowboy, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 30, 2021

A small-town woman is swept off her feet by a caring stranger in this charming western romance.

Forty candles, and one for luck. Jenna Owens wants one thing for her birthday this year: a fairy-tale ending of her own and a little relaxation at a quaint California ranch. What she didn’t want was to get caught in a storm on her way to Meadow Valley. Or to get stuck with a ridiculously hot, too-charming-for-his-own-good cowboy—one who makes Jenna reconsider her “I don’t date younger guys” rule. But a little vacation flirtation might be just what she needs.

Colt Morgan isn’t interested in long-term relationships. Not since his last one crashed and burned after his fiancée found out he wanted a big family. So when he learns that Jenna has a list of items to accomplish on her trip—including having fling—Colt is all too happy to oblige. Yet the more he and Jenna get to know each other, the more Colt starts to wonder if maybe they have a chance at a real future. But when Jenna’s past upends everything Colt thought he wanted, are all bets off? Or will they find a way to make both their dreams come true?

•••••••

REVIEW:ONLY A COWBOY WILL DO is the third instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult MEADOW VALLEY romance series. This is thirty year old,rancher Colt Morgan, and forty year old farmer Jenna Owens’ story line. ONLY A COWBOY WILL DO 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 (Colt and Jenna) ONLY A COWBOY WILL follows Jenna on a two-week vacation to Meadow Valley, California, a vacation gifted from the nephews she raised as her own. Hitching a ride with rancher Colt Morgan, our couple never expected to be caught in a rain storm, having to spend the night together with another couple. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Colt and Jenna, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to a close.

Jenna Owens doesn’t date younger men. Having raised her three nephews after the death of their parents, Jenna has spent most of her time living on the farm, tending to the animals, and the nephews she loves but a two week vacation in Meadow Valley, California finds our heroine writing a ‘bucket list’ of things to do, a list Colt Morgan is more than willing to help her complete. Colt Morgan doesn’t do relationships having been burned in the past but something about Jenna draws Colt like a moth to a flame, and our hero is about to get burned when Jenna’s secrets are eventually revealed.

The relationship between Jenna and Colt is slow to develop as neither one is looking for anything permanent but Jenna’s bucket list includes a short term fling, and Colt is a willing participant until his heart is lost the our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are implied and fade to black.

We are reintroduced to Sam Callahan and Delaney Harper (My One and Only 2); Jenna’s nephews Jack, Luke and Walker Everett.

ONLY A COWBOY WILL DO is a story of family and relationships, secrets and acceptance; romance and love. The premise is emotional and captivating; the romance is passionate; the characters are energetic and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Cowboy to the Rescue
My One and Only Cowboy
Make Mine a Cowboy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Facebook / Website / Twitter / Goodreads

A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a bit of Netflix and Hulu, nourishing her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs where she resides with her two amazing kids and three little devils disguised as cats.

A.J. Pine’s publisher (Forever) is graciously offering a paper copy of ONLY A COWBOY WILL DO to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow A.J. PINE on Facebook.

4. LIKE on FOREVER ROMANCE on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ .

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

9. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

10. Giveaway is open to USA & CANADA only

11. Giveaway runs from April 2-7, 2021

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Make Mine a Cowboy by AJ Pine-Review & Giveaway

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Make Mine a Cowboy by AJ Pine-Review & Giveaway

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2020

Dr. Charlotte North has no time for a player, not even one as tempting as Ben Callahan. Besides, Charlotte is only in Meadow Valley for a few months to help her grandmother. After that, it’s back to New York and the career she loves. But when her gram starts to meddle in her personal life, Charlotte knows just the man to help her out. Ben’s the perfect no-strings boyfriend, until Charlotte discovers that beneath that rugged, charming exterior lies a sweet and bighearted cowboy.

Ben Callahan is tired of people assuming he’s an immature playboy, so when the smart and sexy Charlotte asks him to be her pretend boyfriend, he jumps at the chance to show everyone that he’s changed his ways. Though he and Charlotte are calling their relationship fake, Ben’s heart says otherwise. Two months with Charlotte isn’t nearly enough. Will Ben be able to prove he’s worthy of her for real before their time together is up, or will she leave Meadow Valley—and him—forever?

••••••••

REVIEW: MAKE MINE A COWBOY is the second instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult MEADOW VALLEY erotic, romance series focusing on the small town of Meadow Valley, California. This is twenty-nine year old, rancher Ben Callahan, and Dr. Charlotte North’s story line. MAKE MINE A COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Charlotte and Ben were first introduced in the earlier story lines.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Charlotte and Ben) twenty-nine year old, rancher Ben Callahan, and Dr. Charlotte North. Several weeks earlier, Charlotte North met Ben Callahan while on vacation in Meadow Valley, California but when her Aunt Pearl, the local B&B owner falls and requires several weeks of recovery, Charlotte takes a leave of absence from her New York practice, and returns to Meadow Valley where her previous relationship with Ben Callahan is about to reignite old feelings and emotional withdrawal. In an attempt to keep Aunt Pearl from playing matchmaker, Charlotte begs Ben Callahan to pretend to be in a long distance relationship that is about to pick up where it left off weeks before. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ben and Charlotte, and the potential fall-out as Charlotte’s time in Meadow Valley comes to an end.

Ben Callahan fell hard for Charlotte North but knew her time in Meadow Valley was only temporary. With Charlotte’s return to Meadow Valley came hopes for a future for Ben but all does not go according to plan when family heart break forces Ben to look at the bigger picture as Charlotte prepares to leave for her practice back home. Charlotte North has established herself as a wonderful physician and moving to Meadow Valley was never in the plans. A temporary stay over while her aunt recovered from a fall, Charlotte found herself pulled into the family, friendships and love of our story line hero, a love Charlotte knew she could never equal in return.

The relationship between Charlotte and Ben is one of second chances; a fake relationship disguised as a rekindling romance but a romance that quickly develops into something more. 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 colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Ivy and Carter (Cowboy to the Rescue .5), Sam and Delaney (My One and Only Cowboy #1), as well as Sam and Ben’s business partner Colt, and their parents Nolan and Barbara Ann Callahan, Charlotte’s Aunt Pearl, chef Luis and local produce supplier Anna, B&B clerk Tyler, and fire Chief Burnett.

MAKE MINE A COWBOY is a story of family, friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is contemplative, playful and engaging ; the conflict is limited to Charlotte’s need to keep up appearances in the face of the ‘fake’ romance; the romance is captivating and seductive.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Cowboy to the Rescue
My One and Only Cowboy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Facebook / Website / Twitter / Goodreads

A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a bit of Netflix and Hulu, nourishing her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs where she resides with her two amazing kids and three little devils disguised as cats.

A.J. Pine’s publisher (Forever) is offering a paper copy of MAKE MINE A COWBOY to oNE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow A.J. PINE on Facebook.

4. LIKE on FOREVER ROMANCE on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ .

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

9. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

10. Giveaway is open to USA & CANADA only

11. Giveaway runs from August 25-28, 2020

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Saved by the Cowboy / Tough Luck Cowboy by AJ Pine-Reviews & Giveaway

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SAVED BY THE COWBOY / Tough Luck Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch 1.5 & 2) by AJ Pine-Reviews & Giveaway

Saved by the Cowboy / Tough Luck Cowboy
Crossroads Ranch 1.5 & 2
by AJ Pine
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

 

SAVED BY THE COWBOY
Crossroads Ranch 1.5
by AJ Pine
Release Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 7, 2018

Cowboy to the rescue

Once upon a time, Sheriff Cash Hawkins left his simple life for something bigger—and came home with a broken heart. Now he has everything he needs right here in Oak Bluff, California—his job, his dog, and a quiet ranching town best explored on the back of a horse.

Olivia Belle believes in fairy tales—just not for herself. So when her boyfriend drops to one knee at his sister’s wedding with a proposal that is more business than romance, she hightails it out of San Francisco in search of the only evidence she knows that true love exists—her grandparents’ lost love letters from fifty years ago.

When Olivia speeds into his town like a modern-day Cinderella in her ball gown and glass slippers, Cash’s careful existence is finally thrown for a loop. Maybe the answer Olivia’s looking for is in Oak Bluff, but the life she ran from is more than 200 miles away. As for Cash . . . he knows a thing or two about being left on bended knee. Olivia Belle could be his happily ever after . . . if this runaway bridesmaid doesn’t run off with his heart.

••••

REVIEW: SAVED BY THE COWBOY is instalment 1.5 in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult CROSSROADS RANCH romance series. This is Oak Bluff’s sheriff Cash Hawkins, and San Francisco events planner Olivia Belle’s storyline. SAVED BY THE COWBOY 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 (Olivia and Cash) SAVED BY THE COWBOY follows the building relationship between Oak Bluff’s sheriff Cash Hawkins, and San Francisco events planner Olivia Belle. A quiet Saturday night found Cash Hawkins stopping a speeding car with the most beautiful bridesmaid he has ever seen. A broken glass slipper, and a twisted ankle found Cash hoping for his own happily ever after but happily ever afters were meant for fairy tales and never real life.

Olivia Belle was running from quite possibly the biggest mistake of her life in the hopes of finding her grandparent’s love letters in the small town of Oak Bluff, California, where her grandmother was born and raised. Meeting Sheriff Cash Hawkins sent Olivia into a tail-spin of possibilities, a tail-spin that started with a marriage proposal from a man back home.

The relationship between Olivia and Cash is quick to develop as Olivia battles her attraction to Cash knowing her time in Oak Bluff is drawing to an end. Cash wants something more than a one-night stand but Olivia is quick to point out that she has responsibilities back home. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include many of the people who live and work in Oak Bluff. We are introduced to Cash’s mother Lucinda; recently divorced pastry chef Lily Green, and rancher Luke Everett. Lily and Luke’s story line is next in TOUGH LUCK COWBOY.

SAVED BY THE COWBOY is a quick read; a sweet and sexy romance; a fun and flirty love story that is a bit of a departure from the ‘cowboy’ scenario. The premise is spirited; the romance is enchanting; the characters are feisty and adorable.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

________________________

TOUGH LUCK COWBOY
Crossroads Ranch #2
by AJ Pine
Release Date: August 28, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 28, 2018

The only girl he ever wanted was the one he could never have.

What’s the saying, bad luck comes in threes? If so, Lily Green is due for something good. First, her divorce is finalized—on her birthday, no less. Then the first job she lands for her catering company turns out to be for her ex-husband’s wedding. To top it off, she’s stuck working the event with Luke Everett, the sexy-as-hell best man who’s never been able to stand her. When can a girl catch a break?

For years, Luke has kept his feelings for Lily safely hidden. Hitting on his best friend’s ex-wife would definitely break the cowboy code of honor. But ever since an injury sidelined his rodeo riding, the two of them keep getting thrown together. It’s only a matter of time until his true feelings come to light. When that happens, it will either be the biggest mistake of his life, or a sign that his luck is about to change.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TOUGH LUCK COWBOY is the second full-length instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult CROSSROADS RANCH romance series. This is rodeo rider and rancher Luke Everett, and pastry chef /caterer Lily Green’s story line. TOUGH LUCK COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Some of the premise crosses-over, and runs parallel to some of the events in the August 2018 novella Saved By the Cowboy.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lily and Luke) TOUGH LUCK COWBOY follows the second chance relationship between rodeo rider and rancher Luke Everett, and twenty-seven year old, pastry chef /caterer Lily Green. Lily Green signed the divorce papers on her twenty-seventh birthday, feeling like a complete failure having never anticipated her husband’s affair. A perfectionist and list maker at heart, Lily knew she was difficult at times but our heroine had only ever loved one man, her ex-husband’s best friend Luke, a man she fell for, three years earlier, the same night she met Tucker Green. When Lily accidentally agrees to cater her ex-husband’s upcoming wedding, all bets are off when she is forced to work alongside the man she has loved from afar. Enter Luke Everett, rodeo rider, and the bane of Lily’s existence as our heroine believes Luke despises his best friend’s ex. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Lily and Luke, and the fall-out as an injured Luke is determined to re-enter the rodeo ring in the hopes of remaining on top.

The opportunity to cater the upcoming feast for a Food Network star, Lily has no idea that she has offered up her services for her ex-husband’s wedding. Struggling to make a name for herself, outside of her failed relationship with her ex-husband, Lily is hoping to succeed in a business where others have failed. Luke Everett knows that one more concussion could mean the end of his career. Badly injured in his last outing six weeks earlier, Luke struggles between head and heart when Lily gives our hero an ultimatum in order to save his life. Lily’s constant need to run is disconcerting especially as it reminds her of a man who left long ago.

The relationship between Lily and Luke is acrimonious at best; their constant bickering, back and forth, vitriol comments and accusations are hurtful especially when neither one is deserving of the other’s actions. Luke is unaware of his best friend’s affair, and Lily knows nothing about Luke’s feelings for her. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

TOUGH LUCK COWBOY is a story of family, pride, heart-break and second chances. The premise is engaging and lively; the characters are determined and challenging; the romance is provocative and intense. TOUGH LUCK COWBOY is an emotional and energetic story line.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Review by Sandy

 

Follow: Facebook / Website / Twitter / Goodreads

A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a bit of Netflix and Hulu, nourishing her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs where she resides with her two amazing kids and three little devils disguised as cats.

 AJ Pine’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of book one SECOND CHANCE COWBOY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow A.J. PINE on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA & CANADA only

9. Giveaway runs from August 23 to August 28, 2018

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The One That Got Away by A.J. Pine – a Review

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The One That Got Away by A.J. Pine – a Review

 

The One That Got AwayAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo/ BAM

Description:
How far will one man go for the woman he’s loved since high school?

Jamie Kingston has been Brynn Chandler’s best friend since middle school. Only once was their friendship tested—when Brynn gave Jamie a single kiss. Since then, they’ve had an unspoken agreement never to cross that line again, and she’s ready to let go of the past and move on.

But Jamie has loved Brynn for as long as he can remember, and now that he’s ready to tell her, she has her sights set on someone else. Knowing this is his last chance, he asks Brynn to go on a two-week road trip. But their time alone brings old hurts to the surface, and Brynn has to decide if the one that got away lies at the end of the journey or if he’s been by her side all along.

Review:

The One That Got Away is book one in the Kingston Ale House series by A. J. Pine.  As high schoolers Brynn Chandler and Jamie Kingston were best friends.  Brynn has her sights set on kissing senior star athlete Spencer Matthews.  Her chance is going to come at a graduation party the following night.  But things didn’t work out as she had planned.  Brynn came down with a case of mono and all her high school dreams are crushed.  But coming to her rescue is her best friend, Jamie Kingston.  He stays with her that night while her parents are out of town and nurses her back to health.   In her time of recovery— she realizes that Jamie has always been there for her, and she risks it all to kiss him.  But Jamie who has long loved her completely and totally isn’t in a good place.  His parents are divorcing and he is sure that any relationship he pursues with Brynn will end in disaster and ruin their friendship.

Flash forward ten years and Brynn and Jamie are still best friends.  Jamie still secretly loves her, and Brynn feels the same about him.  But Brynn is currently single and Jamie is in a stable relationship even though it isn’t with the one he wants.  Their high school reunion is coming around and Brynn is bound and determined to not let this reunion go by without trying to kiss her high school crush Spencer.  It’s the night of the reunion and Brynn is seeking out Spencer.  Jamie realizes that Brynn is the one he wants and goes and breaks up with his girlfriend.  Brynn sees  Spencer and even gets some alone time with him—even almost kisses him.  But Jamie rushed in—all prepared to tell her he is in love with her and catches them together.  No kiss yet again!  Spencer is now an author and invites Brynn to California for his book launch.  Jamie knows that in order to have her he must let her try with Spencer.  Jamie now owns Kingston’s Ale House and has an opportunity to drive to California for a beer thing so he invites Brynn along with the hopes of convincing her that its he she loves and not Spencer.  Even going so far as delivering Brynn into the arms of Spencer.

What ensues is a cross country road trip that is filled with ups and downs and loads of adventures.  Jamie has ended his relationship in the hopes of winning Brynn over—but he hasn’t quite told her that part yet.  And even though they were never allowed to discuss it Brynn has been crazy in love with Jamie since the night they kissed.  But his rejection of her still hits her in the feels.  She wants to tell him how she feels about him but is in no way ready for another rejection.

This is one of the best road trip books I have ever read.  I loved the relationship of Brynn and Jamie and wanted nothing more than for the two of them to find each other and figure out how the other feels.

Hilarious adventures happen and wonderful memories are made.  But will they be enough to convince Brynn to follow her heart and tell Jamie how she feels.  Will it be enough for her to see Spencer, even kiss him maybe and make the right choice.

Brynn was a wonderful character with a stubborn mind of her own.  She is tripping over her own self.  She loves Jamie but is so afraid of rejection—because Jamie is in a relationship now.  Rejection isn’t anything she is prepared to deal with.  She is funny and good natured—most of the time.  Her relationship with her sister is funny from the moment you open the book.

Jamie is an amazing best friend who everyone in the world can see loves Brynn but her.   The friendship is amazing and their rhetoric with each other is wonderful and hilarious.  The story unwinds as the road trip continues, and from memories of high school slowly evolves into an amazing love story.  If you ever had a best friend that you had a crush on—this is the book for you.

Wonderfully romantic and hilariously funny.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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