Tag Archives: Christi Barth

A Matchless Romance by Christi Barth – a Review

Posted on by
9

A Matchless Romance by Christi Barth – a Review

 

A Matchless Romance
Aisle Bound series – Book #4
by Christi Barth
Release Date: February 17, 2014
a matchless romanceLinks to order A Matchless Romance: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Tabitha Bell is the face of Chicago’s premiere matchmaking service. At least, she hopes it will be someday, once business really takes off. What she needs is more clients, so when she meets a sexy gamer in need of help, it’s the perfect opportunity.

His discomfort talking to women almost cost Drew Watson his job. He’d be happy holed up in his office, designing blockbuster video games, but his boss considers talking to investors a nonnegotiable requirement. Who better than a matchmaker to teach him how to be comfortable around the opposite sex? Trouble is, Drew wants to get more than comfortable with Tabitha, while she’s determined to keep their relationship all business.

Soon Tabitha learns that beneath the geek-chic hoodie lies six feet of sexy physique–and the more time she spends with Drew, the more she appreciates his brainy brand of charm. Will she succumb to his sweet-but-nerdy charm offensive or will it be game over before he can win her heart?


Review:

A Matchless Romance by Christi Barth is the 4th and final book in her wonderful Aisle Bound series.  This book belongs to Tabitha, who runs the matchmaking part of A Fine Romance store that Ivy added to her wedding planning business.  Tabitha meets Drew, a computer geek at the start.  Drew, who creates computer games, and hires Tabitha to help him learn how to act in front of women.  Seems Drew continually puts his foot in his mouth when working with some woman, and when he insults a high dollar client, he is in danger of losing the job of his lifetime. 

Tabitha normally does not handle teaching someone how to act, she is more into finding couples to match.  But something about Drew, besides his super athletic looks, and body; makes Tabitha accept the job. What follows is humorous attempt to change Drew, bringing in many of our favorite characters from the earlier books; such as Ivy, Mira, Daphne, Gib, Ben, Milo, Sam, just to name a few.  Early on Drew’s constant mishaps were funny, and at times embarrassing.  But despite that, Tabitha saw the effect of Drew’s good looks had on other women, as well as finding herself becoming attracted to him. Drew, who was attracted to Tabitha from the start, was literally blind to how other woman saw him.  Neither Drew nor Tabitha realized how the other felt. 

This was a sweet and at times humorous romance, which did have some steamy parts later on.  As much as I did enjoy this quick read, I felt that this was not as good as the first three books.  But that might just be the couples in the first were awesome.  Great series by Christi Barth, which if you have not read, you should do so. It is a fun and romantic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

Share

Tinsel My Heart by Christi Barth

Posted on by
10

Tinsel My Heart by Christi Barth

Tinsel My HeartLinks to order Tinsel My Heart: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

Description:
Becca Huntley’s produced the Lyndale Park Players’ over-the-top Christmas show for ten years. It’s a beloved Minneapolis tradition, and the theater’s main fundraiser. But this year’s production is in danger of being canceled when their director disappears into rehab. Good thing his directing partner steps in to save the day. Except for the minor fact that he hates everything about Christmas.

Jack Whittaker wiped this town off his shoe with his graduation tassel and never looked back. But duty compels him to fulfill Tyler’s promise to direct the show. Even though it means working with Becca, the girl he always wanted, lost to Ty, but never forgot.

It’ll take more than a few handfuls of tinsel to soften Jack’s heart toward Becca’s favorite holiday. Steamy kisses that melt the snow right off his boots are a step in the right direction. They’ll both discover that Christmas is about making each other’s dreams come true. But will it require sacrificing their chance at a happily-ever-after together?

 

Review:

Tinsel My Heart by Christi Barth is a sweet Christmas romance novella.  I love Barth’s Aisle Bound series, and decided to read this book, which is part of an anthology by Carina Press, All I’m Asking For: A Contemporary Christmas Anthology.  Knowing that I will enjoy this fast read, as Barth always does a great job creating wonderful couples, and a fun story.  Tinsel My Heart continues that thread.

The backdrop of this story takes place in a small town in Minnesota, where the residents are planning their annual Christmas play.  It starts off when they find out the director, who usually handles this annual event, is in rehab and cannot come.  Despite their concerns that they do not have the funds to hire another director, things do work out, as another famous director has promised to fill his friend’s shoes as a favor. 

Becca is our heroine, who is also the producer of the play.  She knows both directors, and was pleasantly surprised to see Jack Whittaker, who will fill Ty’s shoes and direct the play.  Becca, Ty and Jack were childhood friends, with Ty and Jack becoming famous directors, and partners.  Our hero, Jack, has always had a thing for Becca, but backed away in deference to Ty.  But Becca and Ty remained only friends, which Jack thought was more.  What Jack didn’t know was that Becca always had a thing for him too.

What follows is a sweet story about Jack taking over preparing the cast and crew of the play in time for Christmas, as well as Jack realizing how much he still cares about Becca, despite the years passed.  Becca treats Jack like a long lost friend, not able to truly open her heart, since she is afraid to get hurt.  Watching the two of them slowly fall in love was great, as they made a great couple.  Each had their own issues; Jack hating Christmas for many reasons, including his childhood, and trying to move on without Ty.   Becca afraid to move on to further her career as a producer, since she gave everything up after college to take care of her grandmother, who recently died.  Together they face their flaws, and help each other overcome them.  The Christmas backdrop, the play, and a wonderful couple makes this a fast and enjoyable read.  As usual, if you want a romance with a HEA, a fun story, and a great couple; look no further then Christi Barth. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

Share

Friends To Lovers by Christi Barth – a Review

Posted on by
11

Friends To Lovers by Christi Barth – a Review

Friends to LoversLinks to order Friends To Lovers: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
As florist and co-owner of a successful Chicago wedding planning business, Daphne Lovell has been there for the happiest days of other people’s lives. As for her own life? Well, it’s hard to be perfectly happy when you’re carrying a torch for your sexy, womanizing and oblivious best friend. So when the lights go out on New Year’s Eve, she seizes the opportunity to kiss him senseless.

British expat Gibson Moore has a lot on his plate. The hotel he manages is being bought out, his family is crazy and someone just kissed him in the dark. When the lights go on, he searches the room, trying to find the mystery pair of lips. Only, he never thinks to ask the woman standing by his side. He’s shocked when he discovers that Daphne is the woman he’s been searching for. But Gib’s also eager to act upon the attraction for her he’s always fought to ignore.

It takes trust to move from friends to lovers, and as Gib’s work situation worsens, he is no longer sure he can risk the friendship he relies on most. It’s up to Daphne to convince him that some things are worth fighting for…

 

Review:

Friends to Lovers is the 3rd book in Christi Barth’s wonderful Aisle Bound series.  Not sure why I thought that this would not be as good as the first two books, but I was very wrong.  Friends to Lovers was such a fun and sexy story, with two super leading characters.  This book belongs to Daphne and Gib, and what a couple they made.

Daphne is a partner with Ivy, our heroine in book 1 of this series.  She has secretly had the hots for Gib, but they were also best of friends, not allowing anything to ruin their wonderful friendship.  All this changes on New Year’s Eve, when Daphne decides to kiss Gib when the lights go out.   Of course, whatever she imagined kissing Gib would be like, it was 10 times better for her.  When the lights come back on, Gib is bewildered, trying to see who kissed him; since this kiss was like no other.  This is something for the biggest playboy in all of Chicago.

One night, a few days later, Mira, the heroine of the second book, plots to help the couple along with an aphrodisiac food testing survey.  During that test, Daphne and Gib kiss, and he now knows who his mysterious benefactor was on New Year’s Eve.   They both decide to take a chance and see where this possible relationship will take them, without ruining their friendship. 

What follows is a fun romance with mistakes along the way, some very funny, and others very sad.  But most important, when they decide to take it to the next level, that is one hot steamy, long sex scene.  I loved Daphne and Gib together, as they made a fun and fabulous couple.  Another wonderful thing about the Aisle Bound series is that we get to see all the other couples or secondary characters throughout the book, such as Ivy, Mira, Ben, Sam.  Their friendship and love for one another makes this series so special and fun.

Daphne and Gib are meant for each other, but even though they are in love, things sadly happen in the last quarter of the book that forces one to possibly hurt the other one, in order not to see them get hurt in the long run.  But this is romance, and Christi Barth’s wonderfully written stories are pure romance, with HEA.  If you want to read an enjoyable series, with wonderful couples, then Aisle Bound series is for you.  Friends to Lovers is a wonderful addition to this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

Share

Love at High Tide by Christi Barth – a Review & Guest Post

Posted on by
10

Love at High Tide by Christi Barth – a Review & Guest Post

 

Guest Post-White and Fuscia

Pick Up Lines To Avoid When Initiating A Summer Fling by Christi Barth

The summer fling is always a sexy and fun storyline. All those flings have to start somewhere, and for better or worse, it is usually with a pick-up line. When I was in grad school, I had a guy offer me his minor league baseball card. His pick-up line was to tap the photo and say, “That’s me!” and leer at me. (I’ll give you all time to gasp at that horrificness.) And even though I was crazy desperate to snare a summer fling that year, I’m proud to say that his line did not work on me.

I’ve got another horrendous example for you, courtesy of my best friend (who has happily moved on and is now happily married to a man who had much smoother lines). She was enjoying a concert at a lakeside bandstand when a strange man took her hand and declared, “This is the night dreams are made of!” (the bad grammar is all his).

So how do you initiate a summer fling? Parading across the beach in swimwear and a tan gets you noticed, but it doesn’t necessarily get you a date. Here’s an example of a good, flirty start from my beach book, Love At High Tide:

An unreadable emotion flickered across his eyes so fast she almost missed it. In a low mutter, he said, “Don’t call me a hero.” He hit the hard-packed sand at the edge of the water and stopped walking.

Modest, heroic and gorgeous. And it didn’t take even a fraction of her eight years of training in cultural anthropology to figure out he was attracted to her. They’d long since hit land, and yet he made no move to put her down. Not that she was complaining. She’d happily continue to sit cradled in his arms. It gave her an up-close view of his chiseled cheekbones, sharp enough to etch glass. Her fingers brushed through the salt-spiked tips of his blond hair. No doubt about it: she’d found the man candy Trina had promised. One bite of him would be as sinful and addictive as a chocolate honey truffle.

“Well, I can’t call you Mr. In-The-Right-Place-At-The-Right-Time.” When his lips curled up showing off his dimple, Darcy’s interest kicked up a notch.

Problem is, that doesn’t count as a pick-up line. The heroine’s convinced she barely survived drowning, and the hero is lugging her to shore. So when he runs into her later, Coop realizes he’s got a chance to do it right. To officially hit on the hot girl he’s already had in his arms once. Here’s his swing…and a miss:

Yet when he spotted the curves under a navy two piece now burned into his brain, he stopped. Meeting Darcy had been the high point of his month. Probably of the last several months. When he looked at her heart-shaped ass, he remembered the firm shape of it on his arms. An invisible string of red-hot need ran directly from her to his crotch. A different kind of hunger replaced his anticipation of lunch. Following an impulse, he changed his route to intersect with the umbrella she was in the midst of resetting.

“Hey there.” Coop bumped her with his elbow. Meant to be a friendly tap, it lurched her against the pole and flopped the bright red canvas to the ground. Damn. A monosyllabic pick-up line and a downed umbrella. Way to make a good impression on the beautiful woman, Hudson.

Good thing he’s gorgeous and regroups quickly! I wrote this post because I thought it would be super fun to hear from all of you about your best—and worst—experiences with summer fling pick-up lines. We’ve all been there. We’ve all rolled our eyes at a lame attempt. Or quickly succumbed to a sexy smile. Either way, please share!

 

About The Author

ChristiBarth-amyjphoto-680x1024

 

Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage.
A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance.
Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband.

 

 

 

Love at High Tide
by Christi Barth
Released: July 8, 2013

love at high tide

Links to order Love at High Tide:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Darcy Trent is lucky Cooper Hudson is on hand to sweep her off her feet—literally—when she nearly drowns while swimming in the ocean. But life-saving aside, Mr. Perfect’s timing stinks: Darcy’s career is about to take her to the complete opposite side of the Atlantic. Still, a little summer loving with the tall, blond and sexy former cop is far too tempting to pass up.

When his plans to enter the Secret Service went south thanks to a bum knee, Coop retreated to the family beach house to mull his future. Romance is the last thing on his mind, until he fishes a curvy brunette out of the sea. Now, spending time in Darcy’s arms seems like the ideal distraction, even if it is just for a week.

But with Darcy’s departure date fast approaching and their careers on the line, can they realize in time that their beach fling might become the real thing?

 

Review:

Love at High Tide by Christi Barth is another one of her fabulous contemporary romances.  I have read quite a few of Christi’s books, and she continues to amaze me how she can keep producing such fun books to read.  Love at High Tide is a novella, but a perfect read either on the beach or in your air-conditioned house getting away from the extreme heat.  Either way, this is a fun perfect read.

Darcy Trent is our heroine, and I thoroughly liked her from the start.  Darcy is not only beautiful, nice, loyal and a great friend, but she is also very smart, having just completed her Phd.  Darcy is on vacation with her best friend, Trina, relaxing on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland.  Darcy, having spent a few years in the African desert, has a few days to make a decision to accept a wonderful career opportunity, but it will force her to go back to Africa for a few more years.  She loves the beach, the water, and truly does not want accept the offer; however, she has no other job opportunities at this time.

While Darcy relaxes and enjoys the beach, she finds herself almost drowning, but saved by a handsome blond hunk, who is truly our hero, Cooper (Coop) Hudson. Coop is also on the beach trying to come to terms with returning to his job as a detective, currently on leave due to the loss of his partner.  I have to say, I loved Coop right from the start.  He was not only a hunk, but the kind of guy any mother would want for their daughter.  He was awesome throughout.  That is not to say Darcy wasn’t great either.  They made such a great couple, and we impatiently waited for them to devour each other. Barth did a great job teasing us early on, as we knew they both had the hots for each other.  But so many times they were interrupted by mostly Trina and her crazy antics.  I did like Trina, she was funny, not to mention her and Darcy were very close friends.  But Trina was practicing to be a private eye, and I thought her antics trying to solve a mystery (yes there is a mystery in this wonderful romance story), was a bit too much & kind of got on my nerves.   Both Trina and Darcy were getting themselves in trouble constantly trying snoop on someone they suspected was doing something illegal.  Despite Coop telling them to be careful, Trina kept going and putting herself and Darcy in danger. 

Perhaps I loved the relationship between Darcy and Coop, I didn’t want Trina constantly pulling her away.  Oh well, it was an interesting mystery.  When Coop and Darcy finally have steamy sex, it was all worth it though.  Their chemistry was hot, and they made such a wonderful couple.  I think I have said that a few times.  There are other mysteries that have to be resolved as you read the story.  Will Darcy take the job in Africa?  Will Coop be able to go back to being a Detective?  What happens when they find out the truth about the mystery person?  Will Coop and Darcy call it a fling or will they stay together?  Read this book to find out.

Rather then tell you more about the mystery, let me just say the romance between Darcy and Coop makes this a must and fun read.  This is not erotica, but a perfect contemporary romance with some mystery, and hot steamy sex. Christi Barth has once again created a wonderful pure romance to fully enjoy. I love Christi’s Aisle Bound series, and I so would love to see her do more with Coop and Darcy. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Share

A Fine Romance by Christi Barth – a Review

Posted on by
14

A Fine Romance by Christi Barth – a Review

 

a fine romance

Links to order A Fine Romance: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:

They say you form your first impression of someone within thirty seconds of meeting them. Or, in Mira Parrish’s case, within thirty minutes of not meeting them, when said person is supposed to pick you up from the airport and never shows. This is not a perfect start to her new life. Her
friend Ivy is depending on her to run a new romance store, and Mira can’t afford to let her down.

Sam Lyons should probably apologize. But every time he sees Mira–which is often, since his family owns the bakery next to her shop–he can’t resist antagonizing her. There’s something about the sexy, straight-laced woman that drives him crazy. He can’t get involved, though. He has too much baggage to be any good in a serious relationship.

Despite his teasing attitude, Mira finds Sam too sweet to resist. (His hot body may be a factor.) But if there’s going to be anything permanent between them, they’ll need to let go of their pasts and look to the future…


Review:

A Fine Romance by Christi Barth is her second book in her Aisle Bound series.  Having read the first book in this series, I was looking forward to read this book.  Christi Barth does not disappoint, as A Fine Romance was another fun romance read, with a wedding planning background.  Though this book isn’t really about planning weddings, it has all the characters from the first book play secondary roles, including Ivy, our heroine of Planning for Love. If you have not read the first book, you can still read this one, as Barth does an excellent job bringing people up to date.  However, I suggest you read Planning for Love first, as these are fun characters you want know and follow.

Mira is our heroine, and she comes to Chicago to help Ivy open a new store that she has dreamed about.  Mira will set up and manage “A Fine Romance” store that deals with all things related to preparing for the perfect date..wine, food, picnic baskets, gifts, etc.  Mira arrives in Chicago and immediately starts off badly, being stood up at the airport and by the time she arrives at her new home, she is drenched, and muddied.  Why was she stood up?  

We now meet Sam, our hero, who is part of the Aisle Bound friendship group, who shows up at Daphne’s place, where Mira will now live.  Sam was supposed to pick up Mira at the airport, and didn’t even try to find someone else to pick her up.  Why you ask?  He had to take care of his mother.  So needless to say Mira did not greet Sam too kindly, and he either didn’t care or thought nothing of it.  You knew these two would never hit it off.  Especially as the days pass, and Sam continues to muddle things.  Sam is a hunk, totally hot, and a baker. I would never think of a baker being a hunk, but Sam was and he will later prove was a wiz he is, especially when handling chocolate.  But that is later.  Sam besides splitting all things in the bakery with his mom, handles the decorative cakes for the weddings at Aisle Bound.  As good a baker he is, he is clueless how to handle women, especially Mira, who was totally turned off of Sam and his inconsiderate ways; though she found him to be very attractive.

I have to say, from the start, I wasn’t too crazy about Sam.  The things he did nonchalantly required a few slaps, but this was an issue for him when it came to his mom.  Mira too had her own issues about getting into a serious relationship, as she was somewhat estranged from her parents. 

With all the negatives in the beginning, the relationship between Mira and Sam did begin to build, and their chemistry was great.  Barth did a great job bringing this along slowly, early on.  This turned out to be such a fun romance, with each having their obstacles to get past.  But the time we spent with Mira and Sam was fun, sexy and enjoyable. I loved them together.  As for the chocolate, I think you need to read this book to see what Sam does with all his different homemade flavors of chocolate.  You may never look at chocolate the same way. 

I love this series by Christi Barth.  It is fun, with great couples, great secondary characters, and just the right blend of romance and sex, not to mention a wonderful love story.  If you want a light, fast, fun, sexy and enjoyable read..look no further then A Fine Romance.  But again I suggest you start with Planning for Love to meet the other wonderful characters.  I thoroughly enjoy reading Christi’s fun romance stories, and can’t wait for the next book in the Aisle Bound series, Friends to Lovers.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

Share

Ask Her At Christmas by Christi Barth

Posted on by
12

Ask Her At Christmas by Christi Barth

Ask Her at Christmas is a short story by Christi Barth.  It is part of a new Christmas  Anthology, Romancing the Holiday.  Below is the description from Christi’s website, and my review of Ask Her at Christmas.

Description:
Caitlin McIntyre’s heart stops when her best friend drops to one knee  and proposes.

Kyle Lockhart never once hinted over the years that he has any idea she’s in love with him. Not wanting to jeopardize their friendship, she’s never let it slip. Good thing, too, since it turns out he’s only practicing—he’s about to propose to someone else.

A business merger might not be the most romantic reason to propose to a woman he barely knows, but Kyle’s determined to win the respect of the dying father who’s never seen him as quite good enough. Kyle’s always depended on Caitlin’s friendship, while trying to ignore the physical response she arouses. So he turns to her when it comes time to craft his proposal, not realizing his decision will affect their relationship, forever.

This Christmas, Kyle and Caitlin get one last chance to admit their feelings for each other, and find a mutual happily ever after, before he commits his life to another woman and Caitlin leaves town and him…for good.

Review:
This was a cute Christmas short story, that was a fast and enjoyable read.  Of course, as we are days away from Christmas, this story continues the Christmas spirit. 

We meet our heroine, Caitlin with her working part time wrapping gifts in a store, as her best friend goes down on his knees to propose.  Her best friend, Kyle is our hero, and he is just testing his planned proposal to another woman.  Who else would you want to test your proposal with, other then your very best friend?

Kyle and Caitlin have been friends forever, each always being there for one another.  But we learn immediately, that Caitlin has always loved Kyle from afar, not letting him know how she truly feels, for fear of losing this wonderful friendship.  Kyle is a hunk, something Caitlin constantly admires, but careful not to let him know she is appreciating his physique.  When Kyle practices his proposal to Caitlin, she does what a friend is supposed to do, takes him to different places where she suggests he should propose, and at the same time hides her emotions of despair. 

Kyle is planning to propose to Monica Selford, from the very rich Selford Hotel chain.  After being pushed to explain why he wants to marry Monica, whom he hardly knows, and Caitlin realizes, he is not in love with this woman; she learns that Kyle’s father is pushing for this marriage to help in a merger of both businesses.  Kyle admits he does not love Monica, nor does she love him, but the marriage will be a convenience for both of them, and help with the business side of things. 

Caitlin has just graduated art school, and now has two job proposals from major firms, one being the Selford Museum.  A few days later, Caitlin runs into Monica, whom Caitlin does not like, as she is a bit snobbish.  Monica ends up trying to pressure Caitlin into taking the Selford job.  As it turns out Monica already knows that Kyle will propose, and is determined to offer Caitlin everything in order for her to disappear out of their lives.  In fact, she more or less threatens to destroy Caitlin if she does not accept the job, as Monica knows that Kyle and Caitlin, love each other, even if neither know how the other feels. 

It is a fun story, nice to see how great their friendship was.  I really liked Caitlin, and thought Kyle though cute, was a bit too laid back, and not the strong type.  The last third of the book had you wondering where this was heading, and if there was any hope for the true couple in love.  Very nice short story by Christi Barth with a wonderful Christmas theme.  If you want a fast fun read, and you are in the Christmas spirit, read Ask Her at Christmas.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

Share

An Interview with Christi Barth

Posted on by
17

An Interview with Christi Barth

The Reading Cafe welcomes Christi Barth to our site today. Christi has just released her first book in her new Aisle Bound Trilogy series..Planning for Love.

Let’s meet Christi.

 

Hi Christi.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today. We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.

TRC: Will you please tell us about yourself?

Christi: I earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew me to wedding planning.  Ultimately, I succumbed to a lifelong love of books and now write contemporary romance. 

TRC: Have you always been interested in writing?

Christi: I’ve always wanted to be an author.  As a bookworm and a speedreader, I’ve had a deep and undying love for writing forever.  Rumor has it I started reading at age 2!  Of course, I also wanted to be a princess, just for the pretty clothes and tiaras.  The chances of either career goal coming to pass looked slim.  However, I first realized that I actually could be a writer five years ago, when I completed my first book (which I sold!).  Having a complete manuscript under my belt made it real.

TRC: Is there anything (in general) you find particularly challenging about writing?

Christi: I guess as a romance author I shouldn’t admit this, but love scenes are brutal to craft.  You can only say he stroked such and such body part so many times, so many ways.  The actual writing becomes very clinical and leaches all the sexiness out of it for me.  I can grit my teeth through makeout scenes, but when it comes to full blown sex, my requirements are a single white Russian (nope, no other drink will do) and Pink Martini on the cd player.

TRC:  What was the first book you published?  Can you please describe your reactions when you saw your book published?

Christi: Carolina Heat:  An undercover journalist finds steamy passion, mortal danger…and the love of her life.  A missing best friend escalates into a mystery with ties all the way back to the Civil War.  My reaction on actually seeing it for sale filled me with joy. Sheer, unadulterated joy. With a large dollop of pride.

TRC: Planning for Love is the first book in your Aisle Bound Trilogy. What was the catalyst that influenced this particular series?

Christi: For once, I’ve got a great answer to this question!  I used to be a wedding planner.  9 out of 10 people who learned this would say you should write a book!  Then they’d launch into elaborate eye winks about bridezillas, and mother of the bride horror stories. 

Except, in my experience, 90% of weddings are wonderful.  They are a celebration of friends and family and enduring love.  Most people do pull it together and behave like grown-ups.  So I didn’t want to write a scathing tell-all.  But a series that focuses on the wedding industry, showcasing people who spend every day creating the perfect happily ever after?  That felt like a good place to start.  And maybe a few crazy hijinks did slip into my manuscript.  It is a comedy, after all!

TRC: Would you please tell us the premise behind Planning for Love? 

Christi: Hopeless romantic Ivy Rhodes and anti-Cupid Bennett Westcott request the pleasure of your company for their disaster of a courtship

Wedding planner Ivy Rhodes is the best in the business, and she’s not about to let a personal problem stop her from getting ahead. So when she’s asked to star in the reality TV show Planning for Love, it doesn’t matter that the show’s videographer happens to be a recent—and heartbreaking—one-night stand.

Bennett Westcott admits he didn’t handle his encounter with Ivy very well. But looking at her beautiful smile—and great body—through a camera lens every day? He can’t be faulted for suggesting they have some no-strings fun.

The more time they spend together, the more Ben realizes Ivy isn’t the wedding-crazed bridezilla he’d imagined. But if he doesn’t trust himself to make a relationship last, how can he convince Ivy to give him another chance?

TRC:  You write contemporary romance, have you ever thought about writing in another genre, such as YA?

Christi: Nope. For me it is all about the happily ever after.  Love makes the world go round.  You name the sappy romantic cliché, and I’ll agree with it.  Romance makes people happy and fills them with hope and joy.  What could possibly be better?

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Christi:  I am knee-deep in book 3 of the Aisle Bound series, Friends to Lovers. It follows Daphne the florist and Gib the British lothario as they journey from—well, friends to lovers! Just finished writing their aphrodisiac dinner that works far better than either of them expected.  Also, please keep an eye out in December for my novella Ask Her At Christmas, in the anthology Romancing the Holiday, also featuring stories by Jaci Burton and Helen Kay Dimon. It, too, is set in Chicago, with a cameo appearance from the hotel where Ivy & Ben have their one torrid night. 

TRC: What is your writing process?  Do you like to write at specific times, in a special place?

Christi: After years as an actress, my creative juices kick into high gear after 6 pm.  I do my plotting during the day – well, whenever the ideas strike, which is often either when I’m at the gym or the symphony, oddly enough.  But the bulk of my writing takes place between sunset and midnight.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with family and friends.  With whom do you bounce ideas?

Christi: My local chapter of the Romance Writers of America is full to bursting of talented authors.  Lucky for me, some of them are my critique partners. We are all 110% both supportive and blunt with each other, which is invaluable. My number one advice to new writers, in fact, is to be sure you find a critique group.  One person isn’t enough – you definitely need a group.

TRC: What books, authors or people in your life have influenced your writing?

Christi: Not only am I a bookworm, but I’m also a speed reader.  I spent about twenty years going through a minimum of 7-8 books a week (that number has diminished now that I spend my evenings writing).  With that many books under my belt, it is hard to point to just one or two.  Every single book I’ve ever read influences my writing – whether it is learning the good, or recognizing the bad.  I can tell you the first full blown adult romance I read (hiding in a closet) was Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss – classic!  And Nora Roberts is my idol.  Can’t gush enough about her.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Christi: Find Me Here

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Pasta. Could eat it for days in shockingly large quantities.

Favorite Dessert: Cherries Jubilee – both delicious, and has the excitement of a show when they light it on fire.

Favorite Author: Nora Roberts.  Hands down.  I just finished her latest hardcover, The Witness, and it was like a master class in how to write romantic suspense.  So brilliant and entertaining.

Favorite Novel: Whichever one I am currently reading (hey, I’m a bookworm.  No way could I choose just one!).  Right now I’m reading The Good Girl’s Guide To Getting Lost for my book club and Chase Me as the book that glues me to the elliptical machine – so those are my favorites for today.

Favorite Movie: White Christmas. I’m a sap for Christmas, musicals and snow, so this covers all of them!

Favorite TV Show: Three way tie on this one:  Greys Anatomy, Big Bang Theory & Mad Men

Last Movie that you saw: Ted. Laughed until I practically hyperventilated.

Thank you Christi, for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with Planning for Love.  Keep us informed about any new books or series that you have planned.

Christi has graciously offered to give a member of The Reading Café a chance to win an e-copy of Planning for Love.  

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Please post a comment and say hello to Christi.

4.  Giveaway open Internationally.

5.  Contests runs from September 9th – 11th.

Share

Planning for Love by Christi Barth – a Review

Posted on by
12

Planning for Love by Christi Barth – a Review

Planning for Love is Christi Barth’s first novel in her Aisle Bound trilogy.  This is a contemporary romance with the theme being Wedding Planners.  I picked up this book because I loved Nora’s Bride Quartet series, and thought this might be a good relaxing and fun read.  Having finished this book, I am happy to say that I really enjoyed Christi Barth’s take on Love, Romance, and Weddings.

Our awesome heroine is Ivy Rhodes, whom we meet at the start, having fallen on the steps, during her preparation for an upcoming wedding.  Little did she know, her  rescuer, would become the man of her own dreams, the very handsome and sexy Bennett Westcott.

Ivy is the perfect heroine, who also makes a super wedding planner, as she is all about romance & love.  Ivy grew up in a family filled with happiness and successful marriages.  Ivy runs Aisle Bound Wedding Planning business with her best friend Daphne, and they are considered the best in the business.  Ivy with her strong belief in marriage, is also a miracle worker, as she always is a step ahead, being prepared for any mishap that might occur.

When she meets Bennett, she is appalled that he works for the trashy reality tv show that makes it business to show wedding disasters. But by the time the wedding is over, the two find themselves attracted to one another.  Their chemistry clicks immediately, and they spend the night in Bennett’s hotel room, having mindless intense sex.  The next day, Ivy takes Bennett on a tour through Chicago, and the fun day comes to an immediate halt, as Ivy discusses her belief in love and marriage.  Bennett, who is a believer of one night stands,  immediately walks away and flies home.  Ivy stunned, realizes Bennett was against relationships, and though very hurt, she pushes herself back into work mode to forget him.

A couple of months later, Bennett returns as a producer of a different, but nice wedding planning reality show.  Ivy having agreed to participate in this show, she needed the money, did not know Bennett was part of it.  They agreed to work together, but no relationships.  As Ivy begins to realize, Bennett has a fear of any kind of relationship, knowing his family has been cursed on any chance of happiness.  She sets on a plan to make Bennett open himself to love, and a chance at happiness. Bennett wants Ivy back in his bed, and Ivy plans to make Bennett fall in love with her by holding back the one thing he wants…sex.

It was a lot of fun watching Ivy work her charms and seduction on Bennett, and at the same time, shut the door on him, causing him to go back to his hotel and take cold showers. Bennett began to enjoy being with Ivy, hanging around all her friends, and unconsciously doing things a suitor would normally do.  

One of the nice things about this story, is that Barth has created some very likable secondarily characters.  She has a great group of friends, some of whom are her co-workers.  They are fun, and add to the story.  There are two more books to come, and it should be interesting to see whom will be the leads.   

The ending was exciting, sad and fun, as Bennett’s fears take control, and Ivy has to step back, breaking her heart.  But Bennett is clueless and only real friends can possibly make him see the error of his ways.  What are friends for?

If you love romance, and want an enjoyable read, the Planning for Love is the book for you.  Christi Barth has done a wonderful job in writing this novel, and I for one look forward to book 2 of Aisle Bound.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

Share