Tag Archives: Christi Barth

Tempting the Prince by Christi Barth – a Review

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Tempting the Prince by Christi Barth – a Review

 

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Description:
What happens when you mix an average American woman with a decidedly not average future King?

I can tell you from experience—a whole lot of complications.

You see, four months ago, my all-American sister, Kelsey, found out that she’s not actually my sister—she’s a princess of a country we’d never heard of. She begged me to come along when she was whisked off to her new palace, so here I am. An outsider who doesn’t fit in anywhere.

Now that she’s settled, I should go back to my exciting new career in New York. I absolutely should not stay in a country where I got shot (long story), where I suck so badly at the national sport that I accidentally murdered the symbol of the monarchy in front of half the country, and—oh yeah—where I can’t stop ogling Kelsey’s actual brother.

The Crown Prince.
The man who has to marry a very important princess. (not me)
The man who must create the next heir to the throne. (without me)
The man I absolutely can never be with. (remember that long story?)
The man who just gave me the best sex of my life…

Did I mention that it’s complicated?

Each book in the Sexy Misadventures of Royals series is STANDALONE:
* The Princess Problem
* Ruling the Princess
* Tempting the Prince

 

 

 

 

Review:

Tempting the Prince begins with Mallory getting lost in the palace.  Again.  Not very long ago, she and her sister, Kelsey, were average Americans from Michigan, living in New York.  That all changed when they found out that Kelsey was not her blood sister and had been adopted.  Add to that fact that Kelsey was also a long lost princess who had been stolen from her birth family and the word “average” went out the window.

Having found out that Kelsey was actually from the European country of Moncriano and a member of the Royal House of Villani, their lives changed in an instant.  Kelsey had had a hard time adapting to life as a royal, in that she was not a fan of all of the protocol and rule following.  Mallory helped Kelsey and tried to keep her on the straight and narrow and promised that she would stay for a few months to help her sister transition into life as a royal.

Things didn’t start out well.  There had been an assassination attempt in which Mallory got caught in the crossfire.  After months of recovery, and news from her doctors that she kept to herself, Mallory threw herself into helping Kelsey.

Needing to get away from the palace for a little while, Mallory ends up at bar of her bodyguard’s choosing.  While sitting at the bar, Mallory is very surprised to hear the very familiar voice of Prince Christian, next in line to be King and brother to Kelsey.  Also a man she can’t quite stop staring at, even though she knows he’s is way out of her league for numerous reasons.  Christian explains to her that this very bar is one where he can go and be himself.  Only then does she notice that a big percentage of the clientele are members of the royal guard.  Enjoying themselves, they eventually end up challenging each other to a game of darts.  It doesn’t take Christian long to realize how competitive Mallory is and decides to use that to his advantage.  However, while shooting darts, Mallory accidentally impales the ‘King to be” with a dart.  Mortified, they head to the back to get Christian cleaned and bandaged, only to find themselves in close quarters.  They also find themselves giving into their growing attraction to each other……..once.  Yep, best laid plans and such……..

Tempting the Prince is a wonderfully written story that pulled me in at the very beginning, even though I hadn’t read the previous books.  I loved the premise and the characters.  Mallory is so loyal to her sister and is torn between protecting herself and protecting her sister.  Christian knows what he wants.  He’s just not quite sure how to get there.  His father, the reigning king, is having issues with the past coming back to haunt him and has left Christian to step into the role.  He also wants Mallory but can’t seem to figure out how to make that work, until he finally sums up the courage to confront his father.  Christian finds it a bit ironic that the one person he knows who needs some help handling the past has the most impressive view of the future and also has the wise words on how to achieve such.  The chemistry between Mallory and Christian also pulls you in.  I loved their interactions, their wit and love for each other.  The secondary characters were well written as well, and I can’t wait to go back and read their stories.   If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll definitely not go wrong with this one.  Well done, Christi Barth!  Very, very well done!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Trying It All by Christi Barth – a Review

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Trying It All by Christi Barth – a Review

 

Trying it allAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Order. Attention to detail. Never leaving anything to chance. These are the qualities that make Riley Ness such a terrific federal agent . . . and a pain in the ass to everyone else. The only time Riley lets loose is when he’s hanging out with his closest pals. So when he’s thrown together with gorgeous, flighty Summer Sheridan, Riley’s brain tells him she’s a ticking time bomb—but his body doesn’t want to play by the rules.

Riley has to be the most irritating man Summer has ever met. The brooding hunk thinks he needs to teach her a few lessons about real life, while she’d rather show him how to enjoy it. But her BFF’s all but engaged to Riley’s best friend, and besides, their intense physical chemistry is all too real. Summer just needs Riley to try to meet her halfway and take a chance with the one thing that matters: his heart

 

 

Review:

Trying It All by Christi Barth is the 4th book in her Naked Men series.   I have read most of Christi’s books, but for some reason I had not read this series.  But Trying it All read very well as a standalone, and I loved the book; which makes me try to find time to go back and read the first three books.  The Naked Men series  revolves around a group of friends who have stood together from high school, death defying situations and to their current day successful careers ; the title is from their blog which they display their honest opinions.

It was a great beginning, 10 years before, where their bus crashed over the mountains leaving them with no hope of rescue.  Riley Ness is our hero in this book, and he blames himself for the accident.  Knowing what happened made it so much easier to understand the men, what they went through, and their loyalty to each other.  Since I had not read the first three, it was a godsend.  Thank you, Christi.

Now in the present, Riley is a federal agent for the NTSB, who is hell bent to always plan ahead for work and for play.  Riley is intense and sometimes annoying with his persistence to make sure everyone is protected and plans for every eventuality in whatever or wherever. Summer Sheridan, our heroine, has also had a terrible tragedy as a teenager, having been shot while In high school, and actually died for over a minute.  But Summer is the complete opposite of Riley.  She refuses to plan; she wants to live for the moment, even if she is reckless.  Of course, Summer and Riley hang around the same friends, but they hate each other, and do everything in their power to avoid one another.  Best laid plans do not always work out. 

One day, when passing each other and making their normal sarcastic comments, Summer accidentally slips off the sidewalk into oncoming traffic.  Riley acted quickly and lifted Summer to safety, and in that moment with him holding her so close, the chemistry between them burst into a flame of fire.  Riley kisses Summer and nothing will ever be the same for both of them.

What follows is a wonderful, fun and at times exasperating story , as we watched two people who are opposites fall in love.  It was such a great romance with hot sexual chemistry, and they were both so good together.  The fact that they were likeable made the story fun to read.  Yes, sometimes you wanted to smack one of them occasionally, but as their love becomes real, slowly they realize that they also complement each other, helping the other get past their anxiety.  Christi Barth does such a fantastic job writing their romance, and blending in the friends surrounding them. This was such an enjoyable read.

Besides Summer and Riley, I loved all the other characters, such as Chloe, Griff, Logan, just to name a few.  Just when they begin to know that their love is real, the past has a way of coming back to haunt them.  Summer is spontaneous and reckless, and a scared Riley will run; determined to live and not let things go, will keep Summer at a standstill.  Will they find a way to compromise and make their relationship work?

Trying it All is another fabulous romance by Christi Barth, who never fails to give us a wonderful story and couple.  I loved this book.  I suggest you start with the first book in this series, as I will plan to go back to read the earlier books. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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The Reverse of Perfection by Christi Barth – a Review

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The Reverse of Perfection by Christi Barth – a Review

 

The Reverse of PerfectionAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Dylan Royce, ex-teen pop star, needs a sexy image makeover. His first adult solo album came out under his perfect, white-washed persona and tanked. Joining a band equally famous for their music and their between-the-sheets escapades is only the start. He needs to get raunchy. Sleep with a different girl every night. But there’s only one woman he wants, and she still sees him as a goody two-shoes boy-bander.

Ariel Watson is the publicist in charge of turning Dylan into the sex-god every woman dreams of doing. Frankly, she doesn’t see the appeal. Until one hot kiss changes her mind. Now she wants to keep him for herself–without losing her job. Or losing Dylan the legions of drooling fans she’s supposed to be building for him.

Turning bad got Dylan the woman of his dreams. But how will he choose between her…or his career catapulting him back to superstar status?

 

Review:

The Reverse of Perfection by Christi Barth is the 2nd book in her Bad Decisions series.  I am a fan of Christi, as she does wonderful pure romances in all her series, as well as creating wonderful characters.  Having read the first book in this series, The Opposite of Right, I knew I would enjoy this new story.

Dylan Royce is our hero, who is a teen pop idol, whose career is slowly slowing down as he is no longer a teenager.  His manager wants Dylan to do a makeover promoting him as a sex magnet.  The manager gets Dylan a short stint with a top band that is known for their wild escapades, which will give Dylan the exposure of changing his image.

Enter Ariel Watson, our heroine, who is the sister of Riptide’s band leader, as well as a publicist.   Ariel is asked to help promote and change Dylan’s image. At first, all she sees is the teen idol, who still dresses the same, and isn’t sure she wants to accept this.  Dylan had met Ariel years before, and has dreamed of her all this time.  He sets out to prove to her that he is not the teenage idol, bit is in fact a sexy bad boy hidden under those clothes.  When Dylan tries to prove his point by giving Ariel a steamy kiss, she accepts the job.  It is up to her to change his image to the public, and keep herself away from becoming involved.

What follows is a sweet and sexy story, with a couple that we fall for right away.  I loved Dylan and Ariel together.  Of course there will be obstacles that will threaten their relationship, especially when the public begins to see Dylan in another light.  Rather than tell too much more, I suggest you read this fun sexy romance, get to meet all the other band members and enjoy the music background theme.  Christi Barth had created another wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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The Opposite of Right by Christi Barth – a Review

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The Opposite of Right by Christi Barth – a Review

 

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Description:
Kylie Stafford has spent her whole life doing exactly what’s expected. The right major, the right sorority, the right guys, just like her mother and her sister before her. But when everything falls apart for her, Kylie wonders if doing everything right has been utterly wrong. There’s only one way to find out.

She decides to try making all the wrong choices for three months. Hit on a tattoo-covered rock musician? Check. Go back to his dressing room for a hot hook-up against the wall? Gulp. Drop everything to be a roadie for him to binge on more of the best sex of her life? Maybe. Start falling for him despite her better judgment? Um….yeah. Figure out why doing everything that seems wrong feels so darn right?

 

 

Review:

The Opposite of Right by Christi Barth is the 1st book in her new Bad Decisions series. I always enjoy Christi’s writing, as she does sweet sexy romances, with fun stories. The Opposite of Right is no different. I really enjoyed reading this book, as well as the characters.

Kylie Stafford is our heroine, and a fun, smart and savvy one she is. Kylie is coming off one of the worst days of young life. Having just graduated, she loses her internship, her boyfriend and her apartment. While sitting at a bar with her friend, she decides that after always being the girl who does the right thing, it was time to try to do the wrong thing. She sees a hot looking man standing near the bar, and decides it was time to do the “wrong” thing, by kissing the stranger. What Kylie did not know was that the man she just kissed was the lead singer of the rock band Riptide.

Cam Watson is our hero, and he is shocked when the pretty young girl asks for a kiss. Cam could tell she had no idea who he was, though she later tells him she was at the bar to see her favorite band, Riptide. Cam is immediately attracted to Kylie, as he senses she is different than the groupies who follow them. When his goodie girl has to go in the hospital for surgery, Cam when he learns about Kylie’s bad daty, decides to ask her if she would help the band out for 4 weeks, taking orders, and manning the tables.

What follows is a slow to build sweet romance, that starts off with Kylie and Cam being friends with benefits. Their chemistry was very hot, and I loved them together. Cam finds himself falling hard for Kylie, but isn’t sure his wild life style is for her. Kyle also does not think anything will come of their relationship, and needs to concentrate on finding herself a job when this temporary job is finished. Cam was such a wonderful character, despite his wild life style. He was so sweet and caring to Kylie, not to mention very very sexy. Kylie was a fun character, who enjoyed her naughtiness in spending time with her rock star and the band. Is there any hope of a future for Cam & Kylie?

I also enjoyed the other main characters, Cam’s two bandmates and Kylie’s best friend. A perfect group of characters for Christi to use in the future stories.   The Opposite of Right was a fun, sexy, and quick read that I really enjoyed. I know you will love it too.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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Back to Us by Christi Barth – a Review

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Back to Us by Christi Barth – a Review

 

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Description:
Ward Cantrell always went for the long shot. But that recklessness cost him his college scholarship and his chance to play pro ball, and—worst of all—it ended his relationship with the girl next door. Neither the town nor the girl has ever forgiven him. Now he’s taking one last long shot by opening a boutique distillery on the family farm he inherited.

Piper Morrissey spent high school in Ward’s shadow, but she’s come into her own in the years since. Maintaining her spotless image, and that of her family’s winery, is priority number one. Nobody knows that she still yearns for her golden-boy ex. Or at least they didn’t—until Ward agrees to sell Piper the land she needs to start her precious port line. The caveat? She’ll need to date him for one month.

Ward hopes a month is all it’ll take to convince his former sweetheart that while he’s changed, his love for her hasn’t. But when the chance arises to thumb his nose at the town that turned its back on him, he can’t afford not to reject Piper’s offer. Will that make her reject him and his love—for good?

 

Review:

Back to Us by Christi Barth is the 3rd book in her Shore Secrets series. Piper Morrissey is our heroine, and she is best friends with the two previous heroines in this series. Ward Cantrell is our hero, and he is best friends with all three of the girls. For a long time, Piper and Ward were on the outs, since their breakup during their high school days, where she caught him cheating with another girl. Rather than ruin their group friendship, they remained civil to each other in front of the group. However, both Piper and Ward secretly still have feelings for each other, but neither will act on it.

Piper has grown up to be more independent, and she helps run her family’s successful winery. Piper wants to honor her deceased grandfather, and add a line of port to the winery, which her father steadfastly denies.

Ward runs a distillery, which he inherited from his deceased father that was in huge deb. He has fulfilled the debt, but is desperately trying to get a loan to help cover the cost of increasing and improving his business.   When he finds out from his friends that Piper is still determined to start her dream, Ward uses this opportunity to try and win Piper back. He offers to lease her some unused land that he has, but there is a catch. She must date him for a month. Piper accepts the deal, as she still cares deeply for Ward, but does not want to get hurt again.

What follows is a sweet delightful story of a second chance romance of two people who never stopped loving each other. It was fun, and funny at times to watch them rekindle their romance, and Ward’s determination to go slow, which has Piper doing all she can to to entice him. In the midst of their deal, Ward is offered something that could help give him money to do what he wants with the business, but at the same time it would hurt Piper. Will Ward hurt Piper again?

The great thing about this series is that we get to spend a lot of time with all the characters in all three books of this series.   It was a lot of fun, and it is this wonderful friendship that will help bring this to a happy ever after for all of them. Secret Shores is a fun series, with great couples. Christi Barth always gives us sweet delightful romances. I suggest you read this series, and start with the first book, Up To Me.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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All For You by Christi Barth – Review, Interview and Giveaway

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All For You by Christi Barth – Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Description:
Small-town park ranger Casey Hobbes has spent her life under the radar, carefully guarding a secret. “The forest flirt,” as her best friend calls her, keeps things casual with men. That way she’ll never care enough to be tempted to share the truth about her past. But when she spots a half-naked stranger on the lake’s edge, Casey can’t resist his muscles or his charm and she’s all-in for enjoying both, while keeping emotion out of it. What could be the danger of one summer fling?

Professor Zane Buchanan has built his entire career on exposing the dark realities of cults, but one—the Sunshine Seekers—remains infuriatingly impossible to crack. Zane’s shocked to discover its sole anonymous survivor is hiding in his new hometown. It’s nearly impossible to concentrate on work, however, when he’s derailed by his attraction to the beautiful blonde in khaki uniform shorts.

As things between Casey and Zane heat up, she struggles with keeping her past from him. And Zane’s on a quest to expose the truth, no matter the consequences. Will their growing emotions finally unseal Casey’s big secret? Or will she turn her back on love to keep the past safely buried?

 

Review:

All for You by Christi Barth is the 2nd book in her Shore Secrets series. In the first book of this series, we met Ella and Gray and their friends in this small town sweet romance. All for You begins with one Ella’s friends, Casey, who is a park ranger, as she notices a man come out of the freezing ocean after hours. Going to his rescue, she meets our hero, Zane, who has just arrived in town to start a class at the local college.

The attraction between Casey and Zane is immediate, but Barth does a wonderful job of taking this romance slow, with Zane determined to gradually win over Casey, without rushing the sex. Zane is not only a professor, he is also a successful author, who is obsessed with writing about cults. There is one cult, The Sunshine Seekers, who came to a dramatic end, that he has not been able to bring to a final conclusion. Zane feels he is close to finding the truth right here in this small town, and is determined to find the truth, so he can write the story he has dreamed of all these years. Who is the Lone Survivor of The Sunshine Seekers?

Casey’s friends, whom we met in the first book, play a big part in this story. Besides Ella, Gray, we get to spend more time with Dawn, Ward, Piper, Joel, in this wonderful lighthearted romance, that has a little mystery. Casey and Zane begin to realize that they are falling in love with one another, and they made such a hot and sweet couple. Will there be a future for them?

Without giving spoilers, we learn early on that Casey, Dawn and the town have their own hidden secrets that they will protect, which will put Zane fully in the middle. Secrets will be revealed, relationships put at risk, as we worry if love will prevail during this crisis.

As I have said before, Christi Barth always writes wonderful sweet lighthearted romances, with wonderful couples, and great fun friendships. All for You was an enjoyable, charming, and fast fun relaxing read. I recommend you to read this wonderful series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

Interview

Hi, Christi. Thank you for taking the time to revisit us at The Reading Cafe, to discuss your new release “All For You”, as well as to give us an update as to what you have in store for us in 2015.

Christi:  Oh, I’m always happy to stop by and chat! Talking about books is one of my favorite things to do.

TRC: It has been awhile when we last interviewed you, for anyone who does not know Christi Barth, would you please tell us something about yourself?

Christi: I write sassy, funny contemporary romances. You’d better appreciate some good banter and bromance if you read my books!

TRC: You have just released the 2nd book in your Shore Secrets trilogy. For those who may not have read this series, would you please give us a brief description of Shore Secrets?

Christi: I love the opportunity to share my series disclaimer: this whole series is based on real life. The premise is of a mailbox on a lakeshore where everyone in town anonymously writes their questions and problems – and people respond with their advice. As crazypants as it sounds, the idea came to me after hearing a radio story about a town in North Carolina that actually does this. Wild, huh? So yes, each book contains secrets the hero and heroine keep from each other…but the whole rest of the town finds out.

All for YouTRC: With the release today of All For You, can you please give us a brief description of this 2nd book in the series?

Christi: There’s a park ranger who has been hiding – in plain sight – from the nation for over a decade. Casey wants a summer fling with the hot new college professor. Except…he’s more than just a professor. Zane’s a world famous cult expert who has been searching for the last survivor of the Sunshine Seekers for his entire career. Can she risk revealing her secret for love? Would Zane choose another guaranteed book and film deal if he learns her true identity – or her heart?
TRC: The 3rd book in this series, Back to Us is anticipated to be June release. Can you please tell us briefly about the last book in the Shore Secrets Trilogy?
Christi: The fun part has been dropping hints about Ward and Piper throughout the first two books. They were best friends, then high school sweethearts until an ugly breakup. Still best friends, neither realizes they both still are madly in love with each other. And when Ward refuses to sell Piper his land unless she dates him for a month, an uncompromising winemaker learns that some bargains are worth making for a second chance at love.
TRC: If you could cast the leading characters, who would you envision to play the leading roles in your Shore Secrets series?
Christi: Ooh – an excuse to send you to my Pinterest page! I’ve got a board for every book, chock full of outfits and settings and yes, hot guys. So Up To Me stars Jessica Biel & Ian Somerholder; All For You is Amy Smart & Nathan Fillion, and I just finished writing Back To Us, which meant months of staring at the HOT Joe Mangianello & Amy Adams.

TRC: Wow I need to look at your Pinterest page….Ian, Nathan and Joe..those are some hot guys. 🙂

Never too Late
TRC: You recently released a novella, Never Too Late. Can you please give us a brief description, and is this a standalone book or is it part of a new series?

Christi: This is part of Harlequin’s More Than Words philanthropy project. They highlight three charities, give them money, and publish a story loosely based on each one. Mine is a sweet love story about two career-focused architects who are forced to work on birthday parties for homeless children.

 

 

TRC: Will there be more books for your wonderful Aisle Bound series, or was A Matchless Romance the last book in this series?

Aisle Bound Box Set

Christi: Awww, I’m so glad you liked it! But I’m afraid I did marry off everyone possible in that series, so it did indeed conclude with the fourth book. But it is practically wedding season, so let’s remind everyone who hasn’t read it yet to go grab all the romance drenched books – it is even in a convenient box set!

 

 

TRC: Would you like to share with us what you are currently working on, and what you have in store for us in 2015?

Christi: So many exciting things! Book 3 of Shore Secrets, Back To Us, comes out in July. Then in the fall I’m releasing The Opposite of Right, the first novella in my Bad Decisions series about hot rockers. 2015 kicks off with the release of Book One in my just-sold Naked Men series (title still to be tweaked, but currently Risking It All). It centers around five men who survived a high school tragedy, how it made them into the men they are today, and of course, the women who complete them.

TRC: When not writing, what do you do to relax?

Christi: I’m a TVaholic, so I catch up on all the shows I missed while churning out the words. I adore cooking and throwing dinner parties (probably because my husband does all the clean up), and I read non-stop.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Christi: Don’t let the potentially serious topic of cults scare you away – All For You is chock full of laughs (it’s the only way I know how to write!), super sexy scenes, and romance that will make you sigh blissfully.

Thank you, Christi for giving us an update on All for You, as well as what we can look forward to in the future. It was a pleasure talking with you again. We wish you good luck with All For You.

To learn more about Christi Barth, you can find her at the following links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

giveaway

Christi is graciously offering an e-copy of ALL FOR YOU 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.

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6. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway is open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from February 11-15, 2015

 

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Love on the Boardwalk by Christi Barth – Review & Giveaway

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Love on the Boardwalk by Christi Barth – Review & Giveaway

 

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Love on the BoardwalkAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:

Atlantic City is the perfect place for detective Bradley Hudson to nurse his broken heart. A week of beer and strippers is sure to erase his former fiancée from his memory for good. What he didn’t count on was running into a sassy redhead from his past. Maybe a rebound romp is an even better plan…

Trina Trimble, private eye in training, is thrilled to be reunited with the hottie she almost hooked up with last summer. She’s undercover on her first solo case, but there’s always time to lock lips with a sexy cop. Besides, a fun fling with Brad doesn’t have to last beyond his week in town.

Brad and Trina are supposed to be just flirting, not forging a new forever. Brad’s still healing, and although Trina changes careers the way other women change shoes, she has finally found her calling in her new life of disguises and stakeouts. But when an irresistible job offer threatens to lure her away, Brad will need to decide to let her go or bet it all on love and risk his heart again

 

 

Review:

Love on the Boardwalk by Christi Barth is the first book in her new Shore Secrets series. Love on the Boardwalk follows in the tradition of sweet romance stories that Barth writes so well. Brad Hudson is our hero, and he is a detective, who goes to Atlantic City for a short vacation. Brad, whose fiancée dumped him, is mending his broken heart in a strip joint, when he runs into Trina Trimble.

Trina is our heroine, and she is a rambunctious redhead at that. Brad is shocked to see Trina, especially waitressing in this joint, being barely dressed. He learns shortly thereafter, that Trina is a PI in training, and was sent to AC to work on her first case. The two of them met months ago, when they were with their friends, Darcy and Coop, who are great secondary characters in this story. At that time, they just flirted, with nothing happening, as Brad was not interested in getting involved.

Now in Atlantic City, Trina sets her sights on hottie Brad to at least have a one night stand. Brad is afraid to become involved with Trina, since his friends will not be happy, knowing he could hurt their friend, with him just using her for sex. But Trina is determined to make Brad forget about his ex, and uses her wiles to make it impossible to resist her.

What follows is a nice romance, with the added mystery of Trina working on her case. Darcy and Coop added to the fun when they arrived to join them in AC. Though I liked the characters and the chemistry between the couple, the story early on felt a bit scrambled to me.  Overall Love on the Boardwalk was a fun sweet story, with a hot couple.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

 

Giveaway

Christi is graciously offering an e-copy of LOVE ON THE BOARDWALK 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.

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

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK 

4. LIKE us on Twitter

5. LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. LIKE Christi Barth on FACEBOOK

7. Giveaway is open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from September 28 -October 3, 2014

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Up To Me by Christi Barth – Review and Giveaway

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Up To Me by Christi Barth – Review and Giveaway

 

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Up To MeAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Ella Mayhew’s always appreciated the beautiful view of Seneca Lake from the spa window of her family’s hotel.But the view improves dramatically when a hot stranger runs across the grounds—shirtless. He’s the first man to kickstart her hormones in the three years since she lost her parents, and she doesn’t even know his name.

Graydon Locke’s on his umpteenth undercover assignment. The routine’s always the same: assess a business, recommend it for closure, then roll out before anyone discovers his decisions impact hundreds of lives. He’s always believed nothing good comes out of small towns. Why would this one be different? Then he makes two classic rookie mistakes—falling for the sweet, sexy girl who owns the very business he’s on the verge of axing. And letting the town’s residents get involved in both his life, and his relationship with Ella.

Ella’s the best thing to ever happen to Gray, but he’s lied to her from the start. If he pulls the plug on Mayhew Manor, the entire town may crumble. Ella couldn’t save her parents, but it’s up to her to save their hotel. Even if that means turning her back on true love.

 

Review:

Up to Me by Christi Barth is the first book in her new Shore Secrets series. I have read most of Christi’s books, as she is a master at writing sweet lighthearted romances, with wonderful couples, friendships and great secondary characters. Up To Me is no different. I really enjoyed this fast fun relaxing read that takes place in a small town, with all of its charm.

Ella Mayhew is our heroine, and you immediately find yourself caring very much for her. Ella is the masseuse in the hotel she owns, since she prefers working in her spa, rather then running the hotel, Mayhew Manor, which was left to her by her deceased parents. I really love these books that take place in small towns, where everyone knows everyone’s business. After the tragic death of her parents, Ella went into a shell, doing her work and meeting with friends (the whole town loves her), with no ambition to take control of her life. Instead, she would always follow whatever her friends or townspeople advise her to do in a unique way that you have to read to understand. Cute.

Gray Locke is our hero, and he has a secret. He is at the resort spying to get information and help institute a hostile takeover of Mayhew Manor, with Ella losing everything, and the town going down with it. But the moment Gray meets Ella, and she puts her hands on him and gives him a quickie (massage lol), he is lost. Gray begins to try to romance Ella, though he knows he will be there only two weeks, and soon he begins to have second thoughts about hurting her. Gray hates his job, but he needs the money to take care of his ill mother. What follows is a sweet charming romance, with a sprinkle of humor along the way. What happens when Ella finds out why Gray is really there? Will Gray do his job and help take away the hotel from Ella?

This was a beautiful romance that was slow to build. Though both had lustful feelings for one another from the start, they decided to go slow and learn about each other. Christi did this so well, not rushing the sex, and allowing this romance to grow. Gray helps Ella become more confident and sure of herself, thereby becoming the leader that she was meant to be. But will she forgive him?

I really enjoyed Ella’s friends, though many of them were a little too quirky for me. However, it was nice that they all stood by Ella, which is what real friendship is all about. This also added to the humor of the story. As the romance built to where they both finally succumbed to their lust, it left me anxious to where it would end. I loved both Ella and Gray, and to Christi Barth’s credit, I could not put down the book, as I needed to know what would happen. I wholly recommend you to read Up To Me, as it is a very nice romance, small town atmosphere, good storyline, great friends, and a great couple.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

Giveaway-mauve

Christi is graciously offering two giveaways.:

1st prize: An e-copy of her new release, Up To Me to one (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

2nd Prize: An e-copy of Love at High Tide to one (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

 1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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

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

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. LIKE Christi Barth  on Facebook.

6. The giveaway is open  Internationally

7. The giveaway runs from July 12 to July 16, 2014

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