Unblocked #1 by Marni Mann – a Review

Unblocked by Marni Mann – a Review

 

UnblockedAmazon / Barnes & Noble

DESCRIPTION:
Derek Block seeks revenge. Frankie Jordan seeks professional dominance. He wants her, she wants him. Lines that can’t cross begin to blur. Things start heating up as real estate gets real…

This is the first episode of a five-episode novella series.


REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

I have been on a serial novella kick lately and I am pleased to add Unblocked by Marni Mann to this list. Unblocked is the first novella and basically the establishment for the plot line. It is typical to Marni’s writing (if you haven’t read her previous books, do yourself a favour and check them because she will blow your socks off) as it sucks you right in and before you know it the read if over. She writes hot, intelligent characters that compliment and push each other. There is always a layer of intrigue and I know her as the writer that drops a “WTF just happened” (in a awesome way) moment in her stories.

Derek Block is in the process of building Timber Towers and is looking to hire on a professional real estate agent. Frankie Jordan just so happens to be rated the top real estate agent and also the heir to her father’s company. Both are seriously good at what they do and take it seriously. Lines are not to crossed during business … well until they are that is …..

Frankie is about to land the contract for Timber Towers which will serve her well as she is coming off a bad break up and feeling a little lackluster. She also has to prove to daddy dearest that she can handle being the CEO is his company. Derek is dominant, unapologetic, animalistic, and makes a lady want to … yah well … you know! 😉 LOL He is also plotting some kind of revenge. These two cannot seen to resist the strong pull they have towards each other, but will business rules sway their decisions???

This story is long from over and I cannot wait for the next serial to see where Marni is going to take us!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

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Expressly Yours, Samantha by Becky Lower – a Review

Expressly Yours, Samantha by Becky Lower – a Review

 

Expressly Yours, SamanthaAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Samantha Hughes has one day to escape from her wicked uncle, and a sign in the post office is her answer. She’ll cut her hair to pose as a man and become Sam Hughes, a Pony Express rider.

Valerian Fitzpatrick doesn’t want the weight of responsibility that his brothers have in the family business. Fortunately, the Pony Express offers a chance to make his own way in the world.

He assumes his new buddy, Sam, is on the run from the law, until she’s hit by a stray gunshot and he has to undress her to staunch the wound. Friendship quickly turns to attraction—and more—but when Sam’s uncle tracks her down, she is forced to run yet again.

Val’s determined to find her, but will a future with Sam mean giving up the freedom he’s always craved?

 

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!   This book has now moved this entire series to my REREAD shelf. There now that I got that out I can start what I commonly refer to as “The Becky Lower Gush”. LOL 😉

Expressly Yours, Samantha (seriously love this title Becky) is the 7th book of her historical romance Cotillion Ball Series. When one think of historical romance you expect to be swept some where over in Europe, but not this series. Becky mixes it up by placing the setting in 1860’s USA. If you have never heard of The Pony Express well that will change once you devour this read.

Samantha Hughes (AKA “Sam”) is on the run from her seriously evil uncle. She makes the decision to pose as a man and ride The Pony Express but all positions are filled until she comes across Valerian Fitzpatrick who himself is running in his own way. Val get’s her a job working the stables assuming she is a he, and forms a friendship with her. Although Val knows something is off about “Sam”, he decides to let “Sam” speak on his own terms about secrets that “he” is hiding. Well fate takes that out of their hands when our twosome endure a gun fight and Samantha is injured. Left with no choice but to search for her wounds, Val discovers a lot more than a gunshot. Suddenly more than a friendship is possible and the attraction is heated. Before they know it though, jerkface uncle reappears and threatens a happy probable future.

So much more to this book, but I don’t do too many details! 😉

Becky you are such a vivid writer. I swear I can see the images you write to paper, taste the food, smell the smells, feel the fear and hurt of gun fighting and hear the hearts that pound with anticipation. You have taken us to a few American cities throughout this series so it was only natural that we were taken to the Wild West. I adore these characters and giggled to myself in anticipation of Val finding out “Sam’s” truth. I have to say though, meeting my fave brother and sisters is always the “icing on the cake” in your novels .. it’s like coming home! 🙂

This book I suppose could be read as a stand alone .. but why??? Check out this entire series. If you are a true historical romance lover and especially is you like something a little different, then Becky Lower is the author for you!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

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Just Beginning by Theresa Rizzo – a Review

Just Beginning by Theresa Rizzo – a Review

 

Just BeginningAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
Twenty-something Jenny Campbell’s life has been a series of screw-ups, and the latest one endangered her little brother’s life. But when she falls for sophisticated Gabe Harrison, she has a chance to turn her life around…if she can keep her past a secret.

Gabe’s career as a successful doctor has left just enough time for his teenage children and little else. But when beautiful, vivacious Jenny comes along, she breathes love and happiness into his lonely life. There’s only one problem: their families are opposed to their relationship. Money and age differences mean nothing to Gabe as long as they have trust, love, and respect.

But can two out of three be good enough?

 

 

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Last March I did a review of Theresa Rizzo‘s novel Just Destiny and that was one novel that stuck with me. It was absolutely heart wrenching. So when I was asked to review this novella Just Beginning I jumped at the chance. This is the story of how Jenny and Gabe came to be.

Jenny first meets Gabe at her brothers hospital bedside and they are both quite smitten with each other right away. Jenny is much younger than Gabe and is considered a free spirited, lonely and troubled young lady. Gabe is the exact opposite, being a successful surgeon, divorcee with two older kids. Well you know what they say about opposites … LOL Soon this relationship blooms and the other finds complimentary traits that paths a road for a future together. Family has other plans however, and soon these two are jumping hurdles to be together. Through sheer determination and love, they have to fight to be together and prove to all that they are meant to be.

Not giving you much to the plot (if you read my reviews, you know I hate doing that .. WINK) but if you have read Just Destiny you will truely enjoy reading how these two came to be. These two have a tragic future so to soak in their happy and love in this prequel was joyful. My heart ached through the whole thing however knowing what was to come and I can’t help but wonder if maybe I’d of enjoyed this novella less if I hadn’t known what was to come. I found I treasured this precious time with this couple. I really despised the harsh stands their families took when these two came to be and I wished that small minded people would just piss off already.

BRAVO once again Theresa Rizzo … you pull my heart strings every single time .. and while this was one of your lighter reads I thank you for taking me to a special place that let me revel in pure love.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

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Chained by Night by Larissa Ione – Review, Interview & Giveaway

Chained by Night by Larissa Ione – Review, Interview & Giveaway

 

Chained by Night Banner



Chained by NightAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

DESCRIPTION
THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation.To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

 

REVIEW

 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

 EEEEEEE … Larissa Ione rocks my paranormal romance, sexy vamp world. She always gives the right amount of grit, language, wit, angst, action and yummy “oh you make my toes curl”. I have come to expect to be a pile of goo by the time I have read the last word of any of her novels and this one is no exception.

Chained by Night is Larissa Ione‘s second book in her “Moonbound Clan Vampire” series and revolves around the clan leader Hunter and an opposing clan’s daughter Ailyn. Vampires and humans continue to battle one another and in order to remain strong, Hunter agrees to mate with the enemy and take one for the team. Dreading this union and filled with hate, Hunter is suppose to mate Rasha who just so happens to be Ailyn’s twin “real piece of work” sister. It is when he meets Ailyn however, that he believes he can turn a crummy situation into a yummy one!

Ailyn … oh sweet Ailyn! Born the second twin with a deformity, she has had it so rough. Extremely slighted since birth, she has managed to keep her head above water and live her life as best as she can. Always in the shadow of her perfect terribly bitchy mean twin sister, Ailyn always rises above it all and shows a strength that makes Hunter’s heart go pitter patter.

In the midst of quests that need to be completed in this dark and blood soaked world Larissa Ione has created, we experience a warrior spirit come into bloom. Sheer intelligence, true determination/will, and ultimate true love kept me completely engaged in this storyline. The cold was cold but man was the hot HOT. My emotions were completely invested and I am so impressed with the fresh approach to the creation of this vampire world!

The pacing was incredible, the paranormal truly paranormal (the characters and creatures created will blow your mind), and the love story hot and sweet. Twists and turns and WTF moments are weaved into the action and you will find a picture perfect image in your mind as you engage in each page. This second book can be read alone I suppose, but you will miss out of so much if you skip the first book. If you are a paranormal fan, you haven’t indulged until you indulge in a Larissa Ione experience. SERIOUSLY! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview

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


Larissa: 
Thank you for having me!   

TRC:  Please tell us about yourself?  

Larissa:  I’m a mom, a wife, a veteran, an author, an animal lover…gosh, I could keep going, but I don’t want to bore anyone!   

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

 

TRC:  When and how did you become interested in writing? Have you always liked to write?

Larissa:  I’ve always been a writer…like, since I could hold a pencil. Even when I wasn’t actively writing, I was always thinking up stories in my head. I can’t pinpoint what, exactly, got me interested in writing – I think it was just the fact that I’ve always been an avid reader.  

TRC:  You are an Air Force veteran and former meteorologist. Have you been able to use these experiences in writing your stories?

Larissa:  Absolutely. A lot of my characters are either military or ex-military, and the first book in the ACRO series I write as Sydney Croft with Stephanie Tyler was all about the weather. Riding the Storm was very much steeped in meteorological mayhem!   

TRC:  Can you please tell us the premise of your The Moonbound Clan Vampires series, and how you came up with the idea? Also, how many books do you plan for this series?

Larissa:  The MoonBound Clan Vampires series is about a world in which vampires are far outnumbered and outgunned by humans, which has led to an imbalance (and abuse) of power in favor of the humans. In this world, vampires are struggling to survive, and the fact that they fight among themselves isn’t helping matters. As for how I came up with the idea, the spark manifested from the 2009 Ethan Hawke movie, Daybreakers, which was set in a slightly futuristic world in which a virus turned humans into vampires, and vampires took over the world. I flipped that premise on its head…I have a virus that creates vampires, but humans developed a vaccine and weapons, and thanks to that, humans have enslaved the vampire race. I’m not sure how many books there will be – I have four planned for sure. We’ll see where it goes from there!   

Chained by NightTRC:  Chained by Night is the 2nd book of this series. Can you please give us a brief description of this book?

Larissa:  Sure! Here’s the official blurb: 

Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation. To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?  

RevenantTRC:  Revenant is scheduled for a December release. It is the 11th book in your Demonica series. For those you are new to this series, can you give us a brief description?

Larissa:  Revenant is about a an angel who believed he was a fallen angel for thousands of years, but recent events have revealed the truth and unlocked memories he wishes he could forget. Complicating matters is a gorgeous doctor at Underworld General who fascinates him…and who he needs to help him navigate the battles he faces as evil once more tries to destroy everything that’s good in the world. 

 

TRC:  You write under the pseudonym of Sydney Croft with Stephanie Tyler. How did this partnership come about, and can you give us a brief description of this series, ACRO WORLD?

Larissa:  Stephanie and I started writing together after my family lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. I’d given up on writing, and she sort of forced me back into it by writing a scene and then sending it to me…with instructions to write the next scene. I did, and together we put together a series about a group of people with special abilities who use their talents to battle evil all over the world. Think: the X-Men meets erotic romance!

TRC:  What is your writing process? Do you have a favorite time, or place to work?

Larissa:  Honestly, I have no process. I just sit down and write. I do write best in the early morning and late night, but other than that…there’s nothing special I do.  

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

Larissa:  Trying to figure out what readers will like. I swear, I can’t predict anything! I think that’s the biggest challenge – toughing out the unknowns. You just never know how readers and reviewers are going to like a book.

TRC:  Is there any other genre besides paranormal/ romance that you would like to try?
Horror and science fiction!   What are you currently working on?

Larissa:  I’m plotting out a m/m Demonica novella, and also brainstorming the next MoonBound Clan Vampires book – which will be Myne’s. I’m definitely looking forward to writing both!

LIGHTNING ROUND 

Favorite Food: Cheese. I LOVE cheese. 

Favorite Dessert: I’m not a dessert person, but I sometimes enjoy cupcakes. 

Favorite Movie: WAY too many to name, but the ones I watch over and over include Galaxy Quest, Independence Day, and anything Star Trek. 

Favorite TV Show: Gah…again, too many to name! Right now I’m loving The Big Bang Theory, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Drunk History.

Last book that you read:  Hounded, by Kevin Hearne 

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk Favorite Literacy Character (not your own): Dracula 

Dog or Cat: Cat, but I love them both.   

TRC:  Thank you, Larissa for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes youthe best of luck with Chained by Night. We look forward to talking with you again in the future.

Larissa:  Thank you, and I look forward to it, as well!   

 

Giveaway-Green/Gold

Larissa’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of CHAINED BY NIGHT & BOUND BY NIGHT (first two books of The Moonbound Clan Vampires)  to 2 (Two) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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

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 Larissa Ione on FACEBOOK

7. Giveaway is open to U,S. Only

8. Giveaway runs from September 26-30, 2014

 

 

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Pulled Within by Marni Mann – Review & Giveaway

Pulled Within by Marni Mann – Review & Giveaway

 

Pulled Within Banner

 

Pulled Within
Bar Harbor series – Book #2
by Marni Mann
Release Date: September 12, 2014

Pulled WithinAmazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / BAM

DESCRIPTION
Storms can’t last forever…can they?

For five long years, Rae Ryan has lived in a storm over which she has no control. Little by little, everything has been taken away from her—her job, her relationship, her best friend and her home. Plagued by nightmares and a terrible family secret, she carries her scars as much on the inside as she does on the outside.

Hart Booker, another disappointment from her past, returns to Bar Harbor and shelters her from the rain. He reminds Rae that forgiveness is possible, happiness can be found on the other side of darkness, and beauty rests beneath her scars. But a sinister figure lingering in the background seems determined to pull Rae back into a past she’s been trying to outrun. Can she survive the storm and become part of the light she so desperately desires? Or is she destined to remain

Pulled Within?

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Stripped to the bone, raw and emotionally exhausted. Just a few words to describe a Marni Mann experience. There are only a handful of authors that I have read that are capable of leaving me so completely spent but so satisfied .. well folks .. Marni Mann is one of them! Every single book of hers that I have read has taken me by surprise in one way or another and this read is no exception.

The second book of her Bar Harbor series, Pulled Within is about Rae and Hart. We met Rae in the first book and I was pleased that she was getting her story as she is a character that you knew had a deep past. Scarred in more ways than one, she has demons upon demons, is down on her luck, has an ex with a new love and just trying to keep it together day to day. Then another ex and the contributor to her pain comes back into the picture. This time however, he wants to help her heal.

Hart is another deep character but with him comes retribution and light. He knows how he contributed to Rae’s pain and does everything in his power to knock down her defences and force her to trust. He is patient and kind but also gives Rae the kind of love she needs .. be it sweet and tough. He brings reality and truth to the table and while he appreciates how wrong he did by her, he forces them to move forward.

If you are looking for a sweet, kind read you will find that here! You will also find heart break, angst, abuse, language etc … you will walk away from a well thought out, perfectly paced novel that you will not forget. Be prepared to go on one heck of a ride though, and you may also find yourself relating to these characters in more ways than one.

Well done Marni Mann. You consistently deliver, and just when I think I have you figured out, you go and take me in a different direction. You are one talented lady and you sure know how to use your words!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

 

About The Author
Marni MannBest-selling Author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Mann was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and their two dogs who subsequently have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling to new locations, and devouring fabulous books.

 

GiveawayMarni’s Publisher is offering an e-copy of PULLED BENEATH (1st book in series) 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 Marni Mann FACEBOOK

7. Giveaway is open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from September 21- 26, 2014

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The Duplicitous Debutante by Becky Lower – a Review

The Duplicitous Debutante by Becky Lower – a Review

 

The Duplicitous Debutante Cotillion Ball Series – Book #6 by Becky Lower Release Date: September 1, 2014 roses2

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

DESCRIPTION: In 1859, ladies of New York society are expected to do three things well: find a husband, organize a household, and have children. But despite her mother’s best intentions, making her debut is the last thing on Rosemary Fitzpatrick’s mind. Writing the popular Harry Hawk dime novels as F.P. Elliott, she’s too busy hiding her female identity from her new publisher, Henry Cooper. To protect her clandestine career, she ends up posing as the enigmatic author’s secretary. Henry is not the typical Boston Brahmin, nor the typical publisher, and Rosemary entrances him from the moment they meet. As they work together and grow closer, he wonders how his traditional-minded father will react when he brings her into the family, because Henry firmly intends to marry the working-class woman. But when her deception begins to unravel at the cotillion ball, will Henry be able to forgive her or has deceit cost her the man she loves?  

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks! Oh Becky Lower! I have been with you from the start of the Cotillion Ball series and I am determined to make sure that you find long lost family members of the Fitzpatrick family to add to this series because not only can I NOT get enough, but cannot image this series ever concluding. Perhaps the children of all our couples??

LOL So YES I LOVED THIS BOOK. I was anticipating Rosemary’s story and boy did you ever deliver. Rosemary Fitzpatrick is the spitfire of this family. Truely, they all are in their own ways, but she held a special place in my heart. Who would possibly tame this free thinker, or better yet, who would possible just “get her” and realize she is brilliant just the way she is and is in no need of taming. Rosemary is a dime novelist .. FEMALE novelist in the 1850’s of a popular action and adventure series called Harry Hawk. Very “NO NO” of this time, she writes under a MALE name F.P. Elliot. When a new owner takes over her contract, Rosemary must actually meet her publisher and face the fact that she may lose everything when it is discovered she is.. well .. a SHE.

Henry Cooper has a point to prove to his father. He can run this publishing company.   Henry is a liberal thinker of his time (as opposed to his father’s stuffy traditional views), believing that gender should have no place if their is talent and money on the line. When he meets Rosemary, she is posing as F.P. Elliot’s secretary (who just so happens to know all the details of the Harry Hawk series as she transcribes for her employer), and he is instantly captivated. Rosemary is everything that he wants in a wife. Wife she will be … especially if Rosemary’s parents have anything to do with it. You see, Rosemary is about to come out as a debutante at the Cotillion ball and Harry is a guest of the Fitzpatrick family.

A web of deceit is weaved but with true feelings, parental influence on both sides and potential future’s on the line, the truth has to come out. When it does, will it be all too much for our couple? Can the lies be overcome, and will Rosemary’s coveted career have to be put aside for a dream at true love?? Boy did I laugh, sniffle and cringe so much reading this book. These two are so well matched, and they are so stubborn in their own thoughts.

As a reader I felt like yelling at them “You can have it all if you just lay it all out CLEARLY” and “You guys really need to get it together already”. The pacing, writing, character build up was bang on and the fact that we visit other family members just bring this all together brilliantly. I adore this series and if you are historical romance lover, you will appreciate that this is set in US as opposed to Europe like most HR books are. I personally find that refreshing! So yes, I gushed .. it was a worthy gush and I can’t wait for more!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

Cotillion Ball Reading Order:

The Reluctant Debutante
The Abolitionist’s Secret
Banking on Temperance
The Tempestuous Debutante Blinded by Grace
The Duplicitous Debutante  

 

about the author Becky Lower I have traveled the country looking for great settings for my novels, which I’m pleased to say have become Amazon best-sellers. I love to write about two people finding each other and falling in love, amid the backdrop of a great setting, be it present day middle America or on a covered wagon headed west in the 1850s. Contemporary and historical romances are my specialties. I am a PAN member of RWA and is a member of the Contemporary and Historic RWA chapters. My degree is in English and Journalism from Bowling Green State University, and I live in an eclectic college town in Ohio with my puppy-mill rescue dog, Mary.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Blog

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Keeping Mr. Right Now by Robin Bielman – a Review

Keeping Mr. Right Now by Robin Bielman – a Review

 

Keeping Mr Right NowAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

DESCRIPTION
A temporary agreement neither could keep…

Brainy, organized Sophie Birch is no beach bunny. In fact, she’s totally out of her element among the sun-bronzed crowd at a film festival in beautiful White Strand Cove. When a surf lesson introduces her to Zane Hollander, suddenly she’s up close and personal with the world’s sexiest surf star. But what can a great-looking, experienced athlete possibly see in a klutzy out-of-towner who’s never set foot in the ocean?

Zane Hollander’s playboy reputation has never been a problem…until recently. Now his management team wants him on his best behavior to entice a meaningful new sponsor. Sophie Birch is the perfect girl to help reform his image. She’s genuine and respected—and their relationship is purely fictional. But the more Sophie blooms under the beachy sun, the more Zane knows he’ll just break her heart. Because nothing’s more important to Zane than following the tide.

 

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

What happens when you just can’t seem to find Mr. Right? You search and find Mr. Right Now!

Keeping Mr. Right Now by Robin Bielman is a wonderful contemporary romance that revolves around one lovely geek girl and a beautiful surfer dude. A light and predictable story that engages the reader right from the start and reveals that beauty doesn’t always exist on the surface alone, but goes deep down where it truely counts.

Zane Hollander is a surf professional, bad boy, who enjoys women falling all over themselves over him. The guys loves his athleticism and babe catching ways, the girls love … well just about everything. Zane is attempting to catch the eye of a prosperous and much admired sponsor and is told that his “bad boy” ways have to go. Serious about this future career changing move, Zane agrees to find the perfect person for his image.

Sophie Birch is the epitome of geek. She is kind, very smart, super klutzy, serious, mature and REALLY beautiful underneath her black rimmed glasses . When she takes a surf lesson from Zane, the prospect of her helping his image blooms and once she is confronted, she agrees to spend public time with Zane in hopes that the sponsors see his serious side.

The inevitable happens however, once these two begin to spend time with the other. Sophie embraces beach life and Zane cannot believe the transformation she goes through. Zane also realizes that his attraction to the hot geeky girl has nothing to do (well mostly nothing … lol) with her outer beauty, and more to do with her inner beauty. Sophie also sees a side of the stud like Zane that is not typical of a bad boy. Suddenly these two realize that Right Now just may be RIGHT but a few hurdles have to be jumped first.

I can see this being a great beach read. It’s heart warming and I found I smiled quite a bit throughout. Quite PG compared to some of my other reads (which is refreshing) there was a nice build up of sexual tension, a genuine falling in love, a conflict and a happy ending. My only real negative comment is that it was a little slow. I had to push myself through some pages and I had that “let’s get on with it already” feeling a few times. On a positive note, I think Sophie’s geek and Zane’s sensitivity is what made them so hot and perfect for each other.

I am looking forward to the next book of this series which may just have been built up for us!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Road to Comfort by Becky Lower – a Review

The Road to Comfort by Becky Lower – a Review

 

The Road to ComfortLink to order The Road to Comfort: Amazon

DESCRIPTION:
Juliette St.James has only done two impetuous things in her life, and the first resulted in her becoming a single parent at age 18. Now, she’s embarking on a cross-country trip to celebrate becoming an empty-nester. Not sure of what she will do now that she’s flying solo, she comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare—a cowboy.

Cyclone Kelley is a former rodeo cowboy who has broken one too many body parts to continue on the rodeo circuit. But the one body part that can’t be fixed by putting it into a cast is his heart, which was broken when his wife died. He wasn’t home to save her, and feels he’s unworthy for any kind of lasting relationship with a woman, so his life has been a meaningless string of one-nighters.

One broken car and an equally broken cowboy later, they are forced to decide if love is worth gambling on what could be. Or if tornadoes, and Cyclones, are better left alone.

 

REVIEW
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

So I have decided I want my car to break down in the middle of tornado valley right when a storm is brewing, decide I might as well eat Cheetos and read my kindle while waiting it out but instead get rescued by a yummy cowboy on a horse that I know will be rocking my world in the near future. Did I get your attention?? WINK!

Oh Becky … Becky Lower … one of my fave authors who delivers again and again! I loved The Road to Comfort, it was an endearing and smoky read.   The words flowed, the pages swiped and before I knew it, this book was done and I was believing in love at first sight! I have to say your heroine really started to tick me off there for a bit, but then again, someone is always ticking me off in your books and I keep coming back for more! Hook, line and sinker! LOL

Juliette St James is throwing caution to the wind. She has raised her son as a single parent, seen him educated and married off and now it’s time for her to let her hair down. She decides to drive cross country with no destination in mind. The car is packed with junk food, her kindle, the windows are down, her arm is hanging out the window and she is taking it all in. Then the clouds darken and her car breaks down in the middle of cornfield country.

Cyclone Kelley (yup that is his name) see the smoke billowing through the corn fields and hops on is horse to rescue the unfortunate soul. Well when Juliette steps out of her car, WHAMO, he is captivated. After losing his beloved wife a few years ago, one night stands are all he has allowed, but this beauty he has decided will be a keeper. Juliette comes with a guarded heart, but Cy comes on full force and even the most leery cannot resist him. While love is for the reaching, there are a few bumps along the way. Will one college professor who is trying to LIVE for once take a chance on a true cowboy?? You’ll have to read to find out. Great, shorter read one can enjoy while relaxing this summer! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

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