A Match Made in Monaco by Shana Gray – a Review

A Match Made in Monaco by Shana Gray – a Review

 

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Description:
When the cynic…

Fredi doesn’t believe in love. She might be a successful bridal gown designer but that’s just business. Sure, she’s watched her three best girlfriends fall head over heels with the men of their dreams but she’s certain that’s not in the cards for her. That doesn’t mean that she’s not interested in some fun with a handsome movie star––one who just happens to be her assigned date for her best friend’s wedding in Monaco.

Meets the movie star…

Zayn’s used to women falling at his feet so he’s utterly captivated by Fredi’s quick wit and her refusal to be impressed by him. Their chemistry is off the charts and their connection is something unexpected.

Sparks are about to fly…

With only a few days before Fredi disappears back to her life, Zayn is determined to convince her that she can trust him with the one thing she swore to never give anyone–her heart.

Each book in the Girls Weekend Away series is STANDALONE:
* What Happens in Vegas
* Meet Me In San Francisco
* The Nashville Bet
* A Match Made in Monaco

 

Review:

A Match Made in Monaco begins with everyone getting ready for Bonni’s wedding which is taking place in Monaco.  Fredi is, of course, one of the bridesmaids, and just happens to be a successful wedding dress designer who does NOT believe in love.  She has seen all three of her best friends fall in love, but she’s still pessimistic about the whole ‘happily ever after’ thing.   Fredi has been paired with Zayn in the wedding party, whom she has never met.  The do text during the months leading up to the wedding and kind of get to know each other.

Zayn just so happens to be a famous movie star and is tired of not knowing whether or not the women he associates with like him for himself or for his celebrity.  Fredi has been a welcomed change in all of that.  He loves that she calls him on his BS and stands her ground. 

Fredi arrives in Monaco before her girlfriends to take care of some of the wedding preparations for Bonni and is looking forward to finally meeting Zayn in person, who happened to come in early as well.  Once the two of them meet for dinner, it doesn’t take either of them long to act on the mutual attraction that simmers between them. 

Fredi has avoided any kind of relationship for years after having her heart broken years before.  Zayn knows that he wants Fredi in his life and pulls out all of the stops to convince her that they belong together.  She is slow to admit that her feelings for Zayn may be the real deal, but even slower to admit that she may actually be wrong about relationships. 

A Match Made in Monaco is a great read.  I’ve been waiting for Fredi’s story since the very beginning.  She’s an amazing character and the one whom we all knew would fall hard once she fell.  Zayn is a great character as well.  The chemistry between the two of them leaps off of the page as their ‘fling’ transpires, but when they finally both admit their true feelings for each other?  To say it sizzles is putting it mildly.  But, if I’m being honest, I expected more for Fredi’s story.  It was too short and I wanted more of their story.  It felt a little rushed and tied up too quickly, especially if this is the last of this particular series.  (I don’t officially know that this is the last, but it’s based on four best friends, so with this being the fouth, I’m guessing it’s the last.)  With that being said, this entire series has turned into one of my absolute favorites.  It’s fun, sexy and smart and something everyone can relate to:  best friends.  Well done, Shana Gray!  Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Meet Me In San Francisco by Shana Gray – a Review

Meet Me In San Francisco by Shana Gray – a Review

 

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Description:
The single mom…

When Celia Fox’s ex-husband serves her with custody papers during the same weekend he’s getting remarried, she expects things to go downhill from there. So when her best friends show up to whisk her away for a girls’ getaway to San Francisco, it’s just what the doctor ordered. Add in the chance to see Landon Bryant again, and she can’t wait for the weekend to begin.

And the playboy millionaire…

Landon and Celia shared stolen moments of passion in Vegas, and Landon hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her since. He knows she’s under pressure to hold her family together, but he’s determined to prove he’s there for her – and that she deserves some fun of her own.

Are about to get wild.

As Celia rediscovers who she used to be and her relationship with Landon deepens, she begins to believe he’s someone she can rely on. But Celia has been keeping a secret from everyone – if the truth comes out, will they play it safe or take a leap of faith?

 

Review:

Meet Me in San Francisco begins with Celia in a funk.  She’s struggling a bit financially, but she’s also having her ex-husband served with custody papers.  And, oh yeah, her ex is getting remarried.  She was feeling rejuvenated after her girls trip to Las Vegas.  She loved getting away with her best friends.  It also helped that she hooked up with a hottie named Landon.  Yes, she and Landon have kept in touch, but as things at home kind of spiral downwards, she withdraws from everyone.   Sitting alone, after her ex picks up their kids for his wedding and some ‘quality time’, she is trying to gather herself and figure out just what she’s going to do.  Then, her doorbell rings and literally changes everything.

Her best friends show up and whisk her away on a road trip to northern California, to a vineyard, that just happens to be owned by Landon.  She finds out that he’s actually meeting up with them and taking her on a few adventures for just the two of them, and doesn’t quite know what to make of the whole thing.  Landon felt that she was pulling back from him and wants to remind her just who she is and bring back the sparkle in her eyes.  Things are going very well until a secret that she’s kept from everyone comes out and threatens her relationships with everyone she holds dear.  Feeling betrayed, Landon walks away, until his brother shows up and knocks some sense into him.  Once Landon looks at things logically, he knows there’s only one thing to do……..

Meet Me in San Francisco is an amazing addition to Gray’s Girls Weekend Away series.  Celia is relatable as a single mother trying to do her best for her children.  She is also loyal, almost to a fault.  She’s an amazing mom and an amazing friend, albeit a little misguided sometimes.  Landon is also a great character.  Steadfast, loyal, hot, drool-worthy……….. When the two of them are together, the chemistry leaps off of the page and pulls you in and takes you along for the ride.  I loved the first book in this series, but this one touched my heart.  It made me laugh, made me tear up, but most of all, it’s the feeling of hope that reeled me in, as it will you.  As with the first book, the characters are very well written, and I can’t wait for the next installment.  Romance, humor, amazing friends and sexy characters are always good things.  If you’re a fan of those things, you’ll love this series.  Well done, Shana Gray!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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What Happens in Vegas by Shana Gray – a Review

What Happens in Vegas by Shana Gray – a Review

 

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Description:
When the cop…

Tough-as-nails detective Bonni Connolly is on a girls’ getaway in Vegas with her friends, when Lady Luck shines on her. Seizing the chance to treat them all, Bonni splurges on a little luxury including a VIP booth in an exclusive club. That’s when she sees him.

Meets the gambler…

Professional poker player Quinn Bryant is in town for one of the largest tournaments of the year. Fortune smiles on him when he spots Bonni across the dance floor. But what starts as a holiday fling soon turns into something more, as Bonni learns to see the man behind the poker face.

The stakes have never been higher.

Even though Bonni’s trip has an end date and there is another tournament calling Quinn’s name, their strong connection surprises them both. And by the end of the weekend they start to wonder if what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay there…

 

 

Review:

What Happens in Vegas begins with a group of girls, who have been friends since college, heading to Vegas for a girls’ weekend.  Life has taken then in different directions, each facing their own issues, but they’ve remained close.  When they all arrive, they have drinks and proceed to have a good time.  Sometime later, Bonni, hits a jackpot in the casino and their reunion gets pushed into overdrive.  They are moved into a huge suite and given VIP passes to a hot nightclub.  After shopping and getting dolled up, the girls head out for the night of their lives………

Once they arrive at the club and hit the dance floor, it doesn’t take professional gambler, Quinn Bryant, long to notice Bonni.  As he approaches her, Bonni has never felt more out of place.  She’s also never felt so attracted to someone so quickly.  And, what do you know?  Neither has Quinn.  They decide that a one-night fling is just what’s needed.  If they only knew…………

What Happens in Vegas is a fun story and the first I’ve read by Shana Gray.  Bonni and Quinn were both well written.   Bonni is a great friend, a great daughter and the best friend anyone could want.  When she won the jackpot, she didn’t hesitate to treat all of her girlfriends so that they could all have even more fun.  Quinn was just awesome.  I liked how he ended up being more the pursuer than she was.  He knew what he wanted and went after it.  The turmoil Bonni felt upon learning his ‘profession’ was believable and his willingness to do anything to make her his made this story one that kept me turning the pages.  The secondary characters were fun and well written, and I can’t wait to read more about them.  If you’re a romance fan, you won’t go wrong with this quick, funny and sexy read.  Well done, Shana Gray!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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