Tag Archives: Christina Hovland

April May Fall by Christina Hovland – a Review

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April May Fall by Christina Hovland – a Review

 

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Description:
April Davis totally has her life in order. Ha! Not really. Yes, she’s the Calm Mom—a social influencer with a reputation for showing moms how to stay calm and collected through yoga—but behind the scenes, she’s barely holding it all together. Raising tiny humans alone is exhausting, but that’s just the chewed-up cherry on the melted sundae of her life. Her kids aren’t behaving, her husband left her for his skydiving instructor, and her top knot proves she hasn’t showered in days.

Then a live video of the “always calm” April goes viral…and she’s most definitely not. Enter Jack Gibson, April’s contact at the media conglomerate that has purchased April’s brand. The too-sexy-for-his-own-good Jack will help clean up April’s viral mess, and even work with her to expand her influence, but toddler tea parties and a dog with a penchant for peeing on his shoes were definitely not part of the deal.

Now April’s calm has jumped ship quicker than her kids running from their vegetables. Not to mention, the sparks flying between her and Jack have her completely out of her depth. Forget finding her calm—April’s going to need a boatload of margaritas just to find her way back to herself again.

Each book in the Mommy Wars series is STANDALONE:
* Rachel, Out of Office
* There’s Something About Molly
* April May Fall
* Everything’s Fine, Emmaline 

 

 

 

Review :

April May Fall by Christina Holland is the third book in her Mommy Wars series.  I’ve read and loved this series. This one though is my favourite so far. April is hilarious, Jack is smooth and a total hottie. Together with this author, you’ll laugh until something bursts?

April online is a super efficient mother. There is nothing she can’t do, and nothing she can’t advise you on….. But when the camera clicks off!! Then that’s a whole different story…..

Jack can put a spin on most things, and when he’s asked to help contain a viral leak (well more like an explosion) Jack thinks it’s going to be a walk in the park…..
This book was just so funny, the banter between the main characters was quick and had me chuckling out loud. The predicaments they would get themselves into had me both rolling my eyes and holding my sides. Throw in the kids and a few characters from previous books and you have a winning combination.

It is a slow burn romance that at times will have you shouting at the book/kindle. They fancy each other like mad, but neither will make a move…A hiccup in their relationship has the brakes firmly on, and at one point I did think the whole thing might derail!

Being a single parent can’t be easy, trying to support yourself and your kids must be a nightmare (and I applaud the single parent whether it be male or female) having your newly found confidence shattered because of a stupid video would have me scurrying for the chocolate tin! But April doesn’t give up, she might have a mini breakdown, but she’s made of stronger stuff.

This author has become an automatic click for my kindle, and I’m happy to recommend her books for a feel good vibe and a hearty chuckle at life.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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There’s Something About Molly by Christina Hovland -a Review

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There’s Something About Molly by Christina Hovland -a Review

 

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Description:
Molly Princeton hasn’t met the right guy. Yes, she’s a dating coach. But she’s also a single mom with a rocky relationship history. She may be able to help others find love, but she doesn’t really need it in her life. Happiness doesn’t require falling in love. Winning a matchmaker competition however requires being part of a couple. And darn it, she needs to win this one. That’s when she sets her sights on Gavin Frank—the one man she would absolutely never fall in love with.

Gavin is her nemesis, her best friend’s ex, and yeah, okay, he’s sexy as sin. He’s also off limits. But she’s out of other options. Plus Gavin could use a fake relationship to keep his meddling mother from setting up blind dates with every available woman in the Mile High City. There’s no way he’d fall for Molly. None. Nada.

The two quickly learn there’s a thin line between hate and love, and she finds herself tipping onto the wrong side. For the first time, she doesn’t have all the answers. What the heck is she supposed to do next? Lucky for her, Gavin realizes there’s something about Molly he can’t resist…  

Each book in the Mommy Wars series is STANDALONE:
* Rachel, Out of Office
* There’s Something About Molly
* April May Fall
* Everything’s Fine, Emmaline

 

 

 Review: 

There’s Something About Molly by Christina Hovland is the 2nd book in her Mommy Wars series. Molly being a dating coach would have all the answers to the perfect relationship, well you’d think that. But it’s far from being that easy, having a child and an ex that it’s a hands on father takes up a lot of Molly’s time. 

So Molly doesn’t have the time or the energy for a relationship most days, so she’s resigned herself to the fact she’s going to be a single mum forever….But winning a dating competition may help with her business and her love life, she can put into practice all her knowledge. She just needs a partner. 

Gavin doesn’t want another “blind date” nor does he need his mother to “fix” his love life. Being married to Rachel didn’t end well, the only thing to come out of that marriage was his child, whom he loves very much. He goes work to do as he let both his parenting and husband duties slide. 

They don’t exactly get along, Molly thinks Gavin is a lazy ex and bad dad. And can’t see past that. Gavin thinks Molly is cute, but couldn’t see him dating her as she’s the ex’s friend! That would be weird. Right? 

Both need a partner, Gavin to escape his matchmaking mother and Molly needs to win a dating competition, so reluctantly they agree to “date” one another. What could go wrong? But the more time they spend together, the more they see each other in a different light. They have to keep reminding themselves why it’s only fake dating. Gavin sees another side to Molly, her persona on her web chats is totally different from the real Molly. And he’s falling hard for the real one.

This is the second book in the series, and I read and loved the first one (Rachel, Out of office) but there is no need to read it to enjoy this one. Met both Molly and Gavin in the last book, and I loved Molly already. Gavin was a different story, he seemed to be an errant dad and husband and just not a great character, so I was surprised to find out he was getting a story. 

But with most books you only get one side of the story. And by the time I’d finished this book I was totally in the “Gavin camp”. The book has its funny moments, and a few serious ones too. I loved the segments Molly did for her dating show, most of them did have me chuckling. 

Secondary characters are great too, loved Molly and Gavin’s kids. We get to see the previous characters from the last book. Agnes and Charlie were just great. A beach or home recommendation for this one. Easily read in one sitting, and it will leave you with a big smile. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Rachel, Out of Office by Christina Hovland – a Review

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Rachel, Out of Office by Christina Hovland – a Review

 

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Description:
Single mom Rachel Gibson seriously needs a break. Between an absent ex-husband, rowdy twin boys, and running her own work-from-home business, her candle isn’t just burning at both ends, it’s a full-blown puddle of wax. She’s the go-to girl for other entrepreneurs, handling all the tasks they dread. Social media posts? She’s got it. Website updates? She’s on it. Light bookkeeping? She loves it.

Thank goodness Rachel’s about to get a reprieve, as her former in-laws plan to whisk her boys away for a summer of fun at the family lake house. But when her ex backs out at the last minute, she finds herself in a pickle. Even though she’s drowning in to-dos, she’s horrible at saying no—especially when it comes to providing some stability for her kids.

Once Rachel arrives at the lake house, she struggles to keep up with work and balance the demands of family, all the while fending off pesky new feelings for her ex-brother-in-law. Which makes her wonder…is falling for her ex-husband’s brother just one more messy complication added to the dumpster fire of her life? Or is anything possible when she’s out of office…?

 

 

Review:

Rachel, Out of Office by Christina Hovland is a standalone novel.  Falling for her ex-brother-in-law is not what Rachel was expecting when she agreed to take her boys on a holiday that her ex husband was suppose to be taking them on….. 

I get the impression Rachel is a people pleaser, she’ll tie herself into knots, unable to say no, and can’t say she needs help!!  Just reading about this woman had me exhausted, most of us can multitask, Rachel goes past the multitasking and has a category all her own. 

The fact people took advantage of her was no surprise, from her lazy ex husband to the people she helps online. It did get a little silly at some point. But you can’t fault her love for her sons, she’s there when they need her. And when Gavin let’s their boys down, Rachel has to take them on the family holiday……

The thing I liked about this book was the lack of angst and issues between Travis and Rachel, granted she didn’t have time to stress (one busy woman) but with the chemistry between the main characters being a little steamy it made a nice change. Travis offered light entertainment in the form of flirting and soft kisses, their banter did have me chuckling, and their kisses set the pages alight. 

I loved the family, from Rachel’s best friend, to the mother-in-law. The twins were just funny as only kids can be, even Gavin sort of grew on me by the end.

He is in his nephews life a fair amount, and he does love to wind Rachel up, he’s sort of fancied her, but never did anything about it whilst she was married to his brother. But spending time with her and the boys has Travis wanting more!! 

But can Travis convince Rachel that there is more to life than FaceTime with customers? Can he get her to delegate a few chores? And can she really see past Travis being her ex-brother-in-law? Because Travis sees her more than a multitasking mum and ex-sister-in-law. So much more. 

It’s easily read in an afternoon, so grab a comfy spot and take it easy for an hour. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Going Down on One Knee by Christina Hovland – a Review

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Going Down on One Knee by Christina Hovland – a Review

 

Amazon

Description:
Number-crunching Velma Johnson’s perfectly planned life is right on course.

That’s a lie. Sure, she’s got the lucrative job. She’s got the posh apartment. But her sister nabbed Velma’s Mr. Right. There has to be a man out there for Velma. Hopefully, one who’s hunky, wears pressed suits, and has a diversified financial portfolio. He’ll be exactly like, well… her sister’s new fiancé.

Badass biker Brek Montgomery blazes a trail across the country, managing Dimefront, one of the biggest rock bands of his generation. With the band on hiatus, Brek rolls into Denver to pay a quick visit to his family and friends. But when Brek’s sister suddenly gets put on bed rest, she convinces Brek to take over her wedding planning business for the duration of her pregnancy.

Staying in Denver and dealing with bridezillas was not what Brek had in mind when he passed through town, but there is one particular maid-of-honor who might make his stay worthwhile.

Velma finds herself strangely attracted to the man planning her sister’s wedding. Problem is, he ticks none of the boxes on her well-crafted list. Brek is rough around the edges, he cusses, and doesn’t even have a 401(k). But trying something crazy might get her out of the rut of her dating life—so long as she lays down boundaries up front and sticks to her plan…

 

 

Review:

Velma Johnson has a plan for her future.  She works for a financial planning firm and has been attracted to a co-worker for a long time.  He’s her dream man………..professional, dresses immaculately and is a planner as well.  Problem is that her sister snatched him up first. Neither her sister, nor her co-worker knew about Velma’s crush, which makes it even harder for Velma when they announce that they’re engaged.  Stunned is an understatement, but Velma would never try and come between the two of them. 

Her future brother-in-law’s friend, Brek Montgomery, just happened to be there when Velma got the news.  He’s everything Velma is NOT looking for.  He is a tattooed, motorcycle riding hottie who just happens to manage a rock band and is in town for a few days.  Velma admits to herself that he’s attractive, but he doesn’t exactly fit in to what she expects her life to be.  When Brek’s sister, who is a wedding planner, has pregnancy complications, can’t help with Velma’s sister’s wedding, she recruits her brother.  He agrees to stay in town long enough to handle the three weddings that she needs help with.  After all, he’s good at managing people, and things, so what could go wrong?  He’s only in town for a few weeks…..

Brek ends up recruiting Velma to help him with the weddings and as they spend more time together, there is a simmering attraction between the two of them.  An attraction that Velma vows she’ll never act on.  However, once she realizes that maybe she needs to ‘branch out’ and do something totally out of her comfort zone, and hook up with Mr. Hottie, she knows things will never be the same.  Problem is, will he stay, or will he go?

Going Down on One Knee is a fun and quick read.  Velma is very buttoned up and it is really fun to see her loosen up.  Brek is your typical bada$$, which isn’t a bad thing.  He’s got a heart of gold and when he shows his vulnerability, he pulls you right in.  When the two of them are together, the chemistry leaps off of the page.  The secondary characters are well written, and I hope maybe one or two of them get a book as well.  This is my second read of Christina Hovland’s work, and it won’t be my last.  She has a way of writing quirky characters that leaves you wanting more.  They’re funny, warm, charming and a little different.  If you are a fan of opposites attract stories that make you laugh one minute, and swoon the next, you’ll not go wrong with one of her books.  Well done, Christina Hovland!  Very, very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publicist

 

 

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The Honeymoon Trap by Christina Hovland – a Review

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The Honeymoon Trap by Christina Hovland – a Review

 

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Description:
How to Survive Your Next Relationship Disaster 101

Step 1: Get pumped. Your new house, in your new town, comes with a sexy and shirtless man next door. Score!

Step 2: Don’t let your freak-out show when Mr. OMG Shirtless turns around—and it’s your old crush.

Step 3: Hold your head high when you run into him again on the first day of your new job—literally—and spill coffee all over yourself.

Step 4: Stay calm when he introduces himself as your new boss…and then announces that your first assignment is to go on a fake honeymoon together.

Step 5: Keep your $h*t locked tight when the new boss/old crush and you are forced to sleep in the same room…with one bed.

Step 6: Try to ignore just how freaking hot he is, and how much you want to touch him…

 

Review:

The Honeymoon Trap begins with William trying to interview a chicken for the t.v. station that his family owns.  Having just relocated back to Confluence as his 30th birthday approaches, he has two goals:  stay away from his dad, from whom he will take control of their media empire on said birthday and find a place to live.  Neither proves easy.  Seems his dad has a wide reach and is trying to force William’s hand (and his body) into moving back into the family home.

When his interview didn’t go as planned, he heads out, only to encounter a beautiful young woman who gets her car window shot out by a little boy with a slingshot.  Will intervenes, but has no idea that he and the young woman had before during a part of his life he’d rather forget. 

Lucy can’t believe it when Will intercedes on her behalf, as she thought she would never see him again.  She was both thankful and a little hurt that the man that she had crushed hard on didn’t recognizer her, even though she went through a transformation that left her almost unrecognizable………….almost.  It also doesn’t help when Lucy realizes that she and Will are neighbors in a little tiny apartment complex, let alone the fact that his family owns the very station she is starting her new job.  She settles into her new job well, and enjoys her co-workers, while getting to know Will again.  However, when a piece that Will is working on requires him to have a ‘wife’, she tries to distance herself and have him pick someone else.  But, he wants her.

They travel to the resort that their investigative piece is about, and to say she’s nervous about the whole setup is an understatement.  Once they reach the resort, tension is ramped up another notch when they find themselves in a little cabin with one bed.  They get to know each other better by playing an old board game that they find in the cabin and things get pretty steamy between the two of them.  However, when Lucy finds out that he is set to become her boss on his 30th birthday, she makes the decision that they will have a temporary fling and then it’s over.  One thing she didn’t count on was Will’s determination to keep her in Confluence, and in his life.

The Honeymoon Trap is a nicely written story, and the first I’ve read by Christina Hovland.  Lucy and Will are great characters who play well off of each other.  They both have histories that have affected the way they handle themselves.  Both of their backstories make your heart ache for each of them.  I love Lucy’s independent streak and love Will’s determination to become the man who would make his mother proud.  With all of that said, the thing I loved the most was that it made me laugh out loud.  A LOT!!  I loved the banter between the two of them, the sarcasm and the underlying vulnerability.  This is, honest to God, one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had in a long time.  Not too complicated, just two characters who draw you in and make you cheer for them.  The secondary characters are awesome as well.  I loved their quirky little town and hope this is the start of a series, because I’d love to know more about the residents of Confluence.  As I said before, this is the first I’ve read by Hovland, but it will not be the last.  Well done, Christina Hovland!  Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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