If You Stay by Barbara Meyers – Dual Review

If You Stay by Barbara Meyers – Dual Review

 

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Description:
A runaway daughter. An unforgiving father. A reluctant artist.

At 18, Joy Laurence took off with the local bad boy who left her widowed, broke and pregnant. Back then her formidable minister father hung up on her when she called home. Now that she’s back, he slams the door in her face. But for her adult daughter’s sake, she is determined to make peace with her family.

Although romance isn’t even on her radar, Joy can’t resist troubled and talented Granger Sullivan’s rough edges and skilled hands. And in his rebellious teenage daughter she sees her own reflection.

Joy’s excitement dies when reconnecting with her past results not only in broken hearts, but broken lives. Including hers.
She could admit defeat and walk away a second time.

But if she stays, can she find a way to reconcile with her loved ones and build the life she wants?

 

Julie’s Review:
If You Stay by Barbara Meyers is the 3rd book in her Red Bud, Iowa series. This is not an author I’d read before, but it’s good to swap things up once in a while (and I’d been read a lot of dark romance,) so with that in mind I grabed the book…..

 

Joy took off with her boyfriend against the wishes of her father. Never thinking or looking back…..But happiness isn’t always promised, and when Joy is left a young mum and widow, she reaches out to her father. 

After telling her what he thinks of her, he hangs up, poor Joy is on her own…..

 

Future Joy and her daughter have grown up and Joy has returned back to her by home town. She hopes that enough time has passed and that her father will finally forgive her and make room in his heart for his daughter and granddaughter. 


But it’s not going to be that easy, her father still wants nothing to do with her!! 

But with her mother on her side, Joy hopes to melt her fathers hard heart, but that comes with it’s own set of issues. Maybe Joy shouldn’t have come back! It’s only causing friction between her parents. 

 

Granger is a struggling single father with a stroppy teenager. He has his own issues, one of abandonment (his wife left without looking back) and of inadequacy! (He blames himself for his wife leaving) so trust is a big issue with him. 

 

Granger knows of Joy from his youth, he had a crush on her as a kid. But can he let his guard down and let another woman in? Or will his insecurities and lack of trust ruin what could be a second chance at happiness for Granger and Joy? 

 

I had tears as I read this book, both with happiness and sadness. There is families at war, sullen teenager angst, trust issues, condemnation and misunderstandings. 

We also get tender moments, funny moments and moments where bridges are trying to be mended. We get points of views from a lot of people, at first it was a little too much information being thrown at you. 


But the further into the book we get, then more sense all the voices make. They all need to have a say. 
it’s not just about a second chance romance, it’s about forgiveness, about families mending themselves and each other. But when doors are shut in your face time after time, doesn’t that tell you something? Isn’t it time to admit defeat and move on…..

Joy could, but I get that she’s a fighter. She’s had to be. Granger is a little antisocial, but I get why. 


There are so many characters that you’ll identify and sympathize with. 
I read it in one sitting, and I’d highly recommended the book. 

 

Kim’s Review:
Joy Laurence has just returned to her hometown after 25 years away. She’s come home to reconnect and reconcile with her parents. Joy wants to forgive and be forgiven but it’ll be harder than she expects. Granger Sullivan is a divorced father of two. He’s dealing with a moody difficult fifteen year old daughter. Granger to get away from his problems makes art out of junk in his garage. When Joy and Granger reconnect, and sparks fly.  Will attraction be enough to become love If You Stay?

If You Stay the third book in the Red Bud, Iowa series by Barbara Meyers  and takes a detour from small town Iowa to relocate and concentrate on a hometown in. As time progresses and she settles into her life in her hometown attraction and reconnecting with an old friend occupy her time. An unexpected romance with her landlord just may turn to love and figuring out what they both want. 

If You Stay  takes a man who is unhappy and not looking for romance and finds that he still has a crush on since he was nine years old comes back into his life. He’ll face his feelings about his divorce and how things have gone with his teenage daughter. The reconciliation doesn’t go as planned and secrets are revealed.

Barbara MeyersIf You Stay takes a side trip in her Red Bud, Iowa series by taking the mother of a new citizen of Red Bud and taking her home to try and reconcile with her family after leaving when she was eighteen and returns in her early forties to find that the town hasn’t changed much but reconciliation will be more complicated than expected. 

If You Stay for this reader wasn’t what was expected. Being from Iowa myself I was intrigued by the idea of a book set in my home state unfortunately that wasn’t the case. There was a couple of surprises but overall, the story kept me engaged and entertained.

 

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The Dachshunda Wears Prada by Stefanie London -a Review

The Dachshunda Wears Prada by Stefanie London -a Review

 

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Description:
How do you start over when the biggest mistake of your life has more than one million views?

Forget diamonds—the internet is forever. Social media consultant Isla Thompson learned that lesson the hard way when she went viral for all the wrong reasons. A month later, Isla is still having nightmares about the moment she ruined a young starlet’s career and made herself the most unemployable influencer in Manhattan. But she doesn’t have the luxury of hiding until she’s no longer Instagram poison. Not when her fourteen-year-old sister, Dani, needs Isla to keep a roof over their heads. So, she takes the first job she can get: caring for Camilla, a glossy-maned, foul-tempered hellhound.

After a week of ferrying Camilla from playdates to pet psychics, Isla starts to suspect that the dachshund’s bark is worse than her bite—just like her owner, Theo Garrison. Isla has spent her career working to make people likable and here’s Theo—happy to hide behind his reputation as a brutish recluse. But Theo isn’t a brute—he’s sweet and funny, and Isla should not see him as anything but the man who signs her paychecks. Because loving Theo would mean retreating to his world of secluded luxury, and Isla needs to show Dani that no matter the risk, dreams are always worth chasing.

Paws in the City

 

Review:

The Dachshund Wears Prada by Stefanie London is the first book in her new Paws in the City series. I absolutely love this cover. It’s so different from the usual bare chested dudes holding dogs (?) and I love Stefanie Londons writing style, it has me smiling from almost the first sentence. 

Theo is a recluse, and he likes it that way, grumpy, sullen and a total grump. But today he’s goodbye to his beloved grandmother, the only person he cared about after his parents died (so you could see why he’s the way he is) he doesn’t do public speaking very often, and he hates being in the limelight, but his grandmothers reputation and standing has him swallowing his fear and sadness, he’ll do her proud…..

Isla has gone from influencer to pariah overnight! A simple mistake has her scrabbling around for a job, but nobody wants to hire her! Desperate she takes the only job offered to her. Dog walking a pampered pooch! 

Reading as these two stumble through hilarious moments had me laughing at loud. Then sniffling through tears as heartfelt moments are spoken about. So many emotions in this book. Spicy moments that catch you unawares, and if your reading it on the train (then be prepared to blush ?) There are a also few sad moments that will have you reaching for the tissues. 

I loved Camilla, she just stole the book, a grumpy, snappy dog who hated everyone. But with her going to psychics, and slowly becoming an internet star you fall in love with her, and now I want a Dachshund. 

So can the team of grumpy/sunshine ever work? And what will Theo think of Isla turning his grandmother’s dog into a tool that will push Isla back into the heady heights of social influencer? 

End note to this review, the ending was just perfect. Grab a copy of this book, you won’t be disappointed. Feel good read that I highly recommend. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Highland Justice by Heather McCollum – a Review

Highland Justice by Heather McCollum – a Review

 

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Description:
As the new chief of Clan Mackay, Gideon Sinclair knows the importance of maintaining order at any cost. To keep the conquered clan in line, Gideon must mete out ruthless justice or risk losing their precious new peace. But from the moment he meets Cait Mackay—aye, from the moment the sweetness of her lips captures his—all of Gideon’s careful objectivity is well and thoroughly compromised.

Cait knows that kissing the brawny Highlander is a dangerous game. It was bad enough she picked his pocket to feed the children in her care, but sometimes a desperate woman must disguise her crimes any way she can. Only her act of deception has made things worse… Because one kiss with the Highland’s most brutal chief leaves her breathless and out of her depth.

Now Gideon must choose between his duty and his heart when his lovely thief is accused of treason against the king himself. 

Each book in the Sons of Sinclair series is STANDALONE:
* Highland Conquest 
* Highland Warrior 
* Highland Justice

 

 

Review: 

Highland Justice by Heather McCollum is the third book in her Sons of Sinclair series, but easily enough read without reading the previous books. 

Gideon is the third Sinclair brother. Known as Justice (his father named them the horsemen for fear/respect purposes) so Gideon has been trained to judge and dispense justice. And it’s been that way for as long as Gideon can remember, to him there is either wrong or right, nothing in between. That is until he has to judge the one person he kissed!!! The thief has to be judged and the sentence carried out….. What’s the new Chief to do, if he hesitates then his clan won’t respect him! 

Cait is sick and tired of the rich feeding off of the poor. So she might take a few things now and again. (But only to help her cause). A strong and independent person, Cait will give Gideon a run for his money. Surviving a previous marriage has made Cait wary of becoming involved with another man, so her time and effort is put to good use looking after children who have no one. 

And as they become closer, Gideon will have to make the hardest decision he’s ever had to make! Cait is accused of stealing from the king! Did she? Or is it someone out to discredit her? 

Romance with mystery thrown in is fast becoming a favourite of mine. 

I love this series, and the ones before them too ? the descriptions will have you wishing to visit Scotland as soon as possible. The emotions this author writes about will have you cheering and crying along with the characters. I can’t usually put this authors work down, it’s a long night reading ? 

A few steamy scenes, a few scenes where secondary characters steal the limelight. And a love story that will change the lives of not only Gideon and Cait, but the whole village too. 

If historical romances are your thing (and they are mine) don’t delay, grab your copy. A recommended read ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Best Friend’s Guide to Taking Risks by Scott & Flockton

The Best Friend’s Guide to Taking Risks by Kadie Scott & Nicole Flockton

 

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Description:
Everyone knows that the biggest risk you can take with your best friend is to cross a certain line.

When it comes to relationships, Hunter Lancing is not a risk taker. Between his parents’ terrible divorce and his own bad decisions, he’s been burned. Computers make more sense to him. Everything has a rule. Everything is defined. Like his computers, his best friend is defined, constant, and comes with rules he won’t break.

Part-time children’s party princess Natalie Morgan dances to the beat of a drum no one else can hear. The only person who truly gets her and is never scared off by her sometimes zany ideas is Hunter. But she has a big problem. Natalie keeps having all these…feelings…for her bestie.

But on a weekend getaway, a game of risky dares and one-upmanship that was supposed to just be for laughs may just end up with both of them crossing the friend zone line.

 

Review:

The Best Friend’s Guide to Taking Risks by Kadie Scott and Nicole Flockton is a standalone novel. I do like a good friends to lovers read sometimes, and this one hits all the right spots.

Kadie Scott who also writes under the pen name of Abigail Owen ,who writes some amazing paranormal romances (which are some of my all time favourite books). Nicole Flockton is a new author to me, but I think I’ll be visiting her site to see what books she writes. The dual writing doesn’t always work for me, but in this case the reading is easy. Full of descriptions that have you visualizing the story as it unfolds.

Hunter has a well ordered life. After being burnt by previous relationships, it’s safter to have one night stands, that way his heart stays unharmed. The one thing he can rely on is his best friend Natalie, she’d never let him down or hurt him. And so he’d never cross that line (even though he’d thought about it!)

Natalie is just a joy to read, she reminds me of a fairy, spreading joy and glitter wherever she goes ? her job is also her company. She works as a Princess catering for parties, she makes her own costumes and gives it 110% she loves bringing smiles to the partygoers faces, what she doesn’t like is the put downs and snide comments some parents make!

A road trip puts the two characters together in a close environment, he’s looking at relocating to Texas, so a planned visit to the area he might move too seems like a good idea, the downside….. Natalie turns it into a a fun filled weekend with almost kisses and heated glances.

But can Hunter move Natalie out of the friend zone and into a lover he can have forever?

If you want a fun filled, feel good read, then you won’t be sorry if you grab this one. A friends to lovers story that will have you laughing at their antics and keeping fingers crossed for the princess to get her Prince. There is a little angst in here, but nothing worth a trigger.

Loved the karaoke and the dares these two made each other do. I also loved Natalie’s sisters (please can they have books too?) Can the two tell each other how they really feel? Or will they keep each other in the friend zone?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

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Tough Justice by Tee O’Fallon – a Review

Tough Justice by Tee O’Fallon – a Review

 

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Description:
It should have been a routine investigation. Instead, DEA K-9 agent Adam “Deck” Decker watches in horror as one Denver hospital seems to be Ground Zero for overdoses of a new drug. Now Deck can only hope a certain icy, green-eyed ER doctor will help him and his canine partner track down the deadly source.

Dr. Tori Sampson has her reasons for not trusting federal agents, especially ones working for the DEA. But the rash of overdoses—including a heartbreaking case involving a teen—is alarmingly high. And the new opioid is not only extremely dangerous, it defies all the usual medical treatments. So Tori has a choice: work with the big, brawny, and annoyingly hot DEA agent…or watch more innocent people die.

Tori’s the only person who can help Deck break the case, and they’ll need to trust each other, no matter how high the tension and attraction sizzling between them runs. But with every question answered, they realize there’s something more behind these typical teen overdoses. There’s a pattern here, and a pattern can only suggest one thing. There’s a killer on the loose.

 

Review:

Tough Justice begins with Dr. Tori Sampson dealing with yet another overdose victim in her emergency room.  This time, it happened to be a “member of service”, which tells them is a police officer, firefighter or EMS injured on duty.  While working on the DEA officer, who was exposed to the deadly drug while serving a warrant, Tori takes charge and order everyone out of the treatment room.  Agent Adam Decker, aka Deck, refused to leave until Tori promised she’d do her best. 

Deck has a huge mistrust of doctors, just as Tori has a DEEP dislike and mistrust of DEA agents.  Due to the number of overdose cases that is happening in their city, the two of them embark on a mission to figure out where the drug is coming from and to save as many as they can.  What they don’t count on is how close to home it actually hits.

Tough Justice is another wonderfully written suspenseful tale by Tee O’Fallon that truly draws you in from the very beginning.  Both characters are relatable and believable.  Once each of their back stories are revealed, it makes you root for them even more. 

The chemistry between Tori and Deck is palpable pretty early on.  It just takes them a minute to let go of their long-held prejudices.  The secondary characters are well written too and leave you wanting more.  No one, in my humble opinion, writes law enforcement/suspense/romance as well as O’Fallon.  And, when you add K-9 officers?  Get out!  LOL!!!  You love the dogs as much as you love the humans in her tales!  The detail with which she tells her stories is incomparable and I can’t wait for the next installment. 

If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll never, ever, go wrong with one of her books.  Well done, Tee O’Fallon!!!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Two More Lives by Kaitlyn Legaspi – a Review

Two More Lives by Kaitlyn Legaspi – a Review

 

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Description:
The second set of battles of the Card Holder tournament has commenced.

After months of rigorous training under platinum card user Brochan Cordis, Neela Blydes begins the remaining half of the solo rounds, determined to succeed and become Card Holder of the Queen of Hearts of Domain. Though focus is critical in her battles, another set of burdens consumes her mind.

During the day, Neela searches for her connection to the leader of the rogue organization and the reason behind the death of her father. At night, her dreams are overtaken by darkness and distress, with one filled with destruction and death. Despite any brief moment of happiness that blesses Neela, nothing is enough to overcome the fears it plants within her.

Not after she wakes to a room of living shadows.

 

Review:

Two More Lives by Kaitlyn Legaspi starts where book one ends, so it does need to be read in order as it will make a lot more sense. 

Neela is still suffering from a huge personal blow. But training for the next round of the competition helps her get through the day. Brochan (her trainer) has been a great help) when he’s not training her, then he’s acting like a buffer (keeping her occupied) trying to help her work out who killed her father, and why do they want her dead?! And what’s with the nightmares? Are they linked to her past, or is it a glimpse into her future?

But that’s not going to stop her competing in the tournament. She has to beat Ember Redd, and then she needs answers that she’s convinced he has. The shadows that frighten Neela need more investigation, us there a purpose or a reason for these shadows? 

Then we have the rogue organization that may or may not want to bring down the Card Holders Domains (magic holders can enter the tournament to win the right to rule different areas). Original characters like Brochan and Amil are a welcome return, and new characters such as Morissa (start out as antagonists) add a new dimension to this thrilling read. 

Another really good read, as the author takes us on an emotional journey of discovery and growth. Neela is such a great character, she suffers blow after blow, but still tries to remain positive. Really well written and again quite a lot of thought and detail.    

Two More Lives will have you gripped until the last page. There is double dealings and betrayal, there is also Neela dealing with the loss of loved ones, and a budding romance ? we have laughs as well, so it’s not all doom and gloom. We get the mystery part as Neela continues to find answers to all the questions she has in her head. The fight scenes are detailed enough for it to play in your head. 

I’d happily watch this as a movie or tv series. It’s engrossing and thought provoking. I’d probably put this in the YA category and I’d also warn that there might be a few triggers that could upset people. So read the warnings before diving in. And now after that ending, we have to wait for book three! 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

 

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Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope – a Review

Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope – a Review

 

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Description
Love may blossom where it’s least expected in the delightful and heartwarming Pine Creek series from Amity Hope.

Widow Amelia Baumann has sworn to never love again. She’s content to live peacefully in Pine Creek at her friend Mary’s warm, comfortable farmhouse. But then Samuel Kurtz shows up and becomes Mary’s permanent guest, making it hard to keep her feelings in check. Especially after Samuel’s six-year-old niece, Ruthie, whom he’s been raising as his own daughter, completely steals her heart.

When the bishops from another district threaten to send Ruthie to live with her distant aunt, so that she’ll have two parents raising her instead of just Samuel, he hatches a plan.

Amelia reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience with Samuel–only because she loves Ruthie and can’t bear to see her torn from the only father she’s ever known. Not because Samuel’s kind green eyes and charming laugh draw her in. And as long as she and Samuel are in agreement that they will simply remain friends…what could possibly go wrong?

Each book in the Pine Creek series is STANDALONE:
* Pine Creek Courtship
* Pine Creek Marriage

 

 

Review 

Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope is the 2nd book in her Pine Creek series.  Can a marriage of convenience turn into something more? This is a heartwarming story of two people thrown together for the sake of a little girl. But it turns into something more…..

Living with her friend Mary, Amelia is enjoying the quiet life. Losing her husband was a blow, so Amelia now throws herself into caring for her friend, and being there for her community. But meeting Ruthie and Samuel stirs up feelings Amelia needs to bury, that path will only lead to more heartache! 

Samuel is coming back to where he had happy childhood memories. He’s now a father, but Ruthie isn’t his daughter, she’s his niece? His family isn’t happy with the arrangement, so he’s moved away from his home and family, and had arrived on his aunts doorstep looking for sanctuary. 

Ruthie just stole the book for me. She was just too cute. Her attitude and comments had me smiling every time she appeared. So will either of them voice their true feelings? Or will the feelings they begin to have for one another never get voiced? 

Book two in this sweet romance will have you falling in love with additional characters, Ruthie and Mary for me made this book. Ruthie is a cute six year old and Mary is Amelia’s friend. It’s not necessary to read the first book (I haven’t) it won’t spoil the enjoyment for this book. 

So if your looking for a sweet romance or just wanting a slower paced romance, then grab this book and enjoy. Nicely written and really well thought out. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Kissing Games by Stefanie London – a Review

Kissing Games by Stefanie London – a Review

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Description:
Injured pro baseball player Ryan Bower has plenty of reasons for not sleeping. But thanks to a steamy romance novel that’s ignited the imaginations—and libidos—of pretty much everyone in Kissing Creek, Ryan’s kept awake by the sound of his parents. Having sex. Unforgivably gross. And Ryan is almost certain that the town’s adorably quirky and troublemaking librarian is responsible.

Sloane Rickman adores everything about her little town—with the exception of its very tall and infuriatingly sexy Golden Boy. Ryan Bower may be a ball-playing hottie, but where exactly does he get off telling her what books to recommend to her oddball little book club? Good thing he’s only in town for the fall.

Now Sloane and Ryan are stuck planning the main float for the town’s parade. But somewhere between arguments over paint colors and papier mâché flowers, their fights keep turning into red-hot kisses. And between Ryan’s demanding ball career and Sloane’s life in Kissing Creek, they face the biggest game of their lives…if they’re ready to play for keeps.

 

 

Review: 

Kissing Games by Stefanie London is the second book in the Kissing Creek Series, and I loved it. It’s not necessarily essential to read the first book (they all stand on their own really well) but reading this book will have to trotting off to find the first book (which is a great read also ?) It has hilarious moments where I laughed out loud (a little inappropriate when your at work with headphones on) ? It’s also got a few moments where you just want to shake Ryan and tell him to sort himself out before he loses the best thing he’s ever had! 

Ryan is home recovering from a sports injury, as soon as he’s healed he’s away from his hormonal parents (that had tears rolling down my face) in fact the whole town seems to be in the grip of something got and heavy! But at least it’s taking his mind off of his career, essentially he’s too old for baseball (professional level anyway) but he’s unsure where he’s heading, so he’s a bit of a grump at the moment! 

Sloane is the local librarian at Kissing Creek, she loves it there. She loves the small town feel, and finally feels like she’s found a home she can settle and put down roots. Somehow these two characters are forced together to organise a float for the coming town parade. Ryan can’t think of anything worse! The banter between these two is such a joy to read, they bounce off of one another, and you’ll find yourself chuckling at odd moments. But if Ryan isn’t going to be here for much longer, then there is no point starting anything, is there? 

If you love the small town Romance/ semi sporty feel romance then grab this book and be prepared to laugh through most of it. ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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