Tag Archives: Small Town

Midnight by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Midnight by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
Crossroads, Texas, is a town of second chances in this new small town romance series from Sharon Sala, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Blessings, Georgia series.

Asher Kingston is a special investigator for the Texas Attorney General’s office in Austin, TX. When he gets a call that his dad has been injured in an attempted robbery of his bar, he rounds up his two brothers and heads back to Crossroads. During visiting hours at the hospital, Nora Borden, Asher’s girlfriend from high school, runs into him and they rekindle their friendship. Nora is a high-profile computer tech with a high security clearance; Asher claims his job too unpredictable for relationships. But before long, their romance rekindles as well. Together they unravel a case long gone cold to find out what happened in the bar late that night and to clear the Kingston family name.

 

 

Review:

Midnight by Sharon Sala is the 2nd book in her Crosswoods series. The story starts off with a robbery, that involved Brenda Kingston, who was having an affair with Pete Brant.  Pete told Brenda to hide the money inside her house in the basement.  In fear, Brenda ended up killing herself, and Pete Brant was sentence to jail.  Now 21 years later, Pete Brant died in prison, and his two sons are determined to find the missing money.

Asher Kingston, who is 32 years old, is an investigator for the State Attorney General in Austin. He receives a phone call from the police that his father was shot, and in serious condition.  He learns from Pearl, who managed to find Jacob, and calls for emergency help, keeping him alive.  

Gunner Kingston, who is 27 years old, is a homicide detective in Dallas, Texas; Gunner flies’ home to help. Dylan Kingston, who is 29 years old, lives in Austin and is engaged to Angie.  Nora Borden returns home to Crossroads to sell and clean her family’s home. Asher’s girlfriend from high school, runs into him and they rekindle their love. Nora helps Asher, as well as Gunner and Dylan to help her knowledge of IT.   

The Brant boys, Everett and Freddie, are determined to find the money (1 Million) somewhere inside the basement.  Everett was the one who shot Jacob, and they tried to hide their identity, hoping Jacob would die. Gunner, Asher and Dylan are quietly trying to see who the culprits are, until they discover their identity.  All three of them decided to look in the basement, where they finally found the money.  The FBI is called, and the family helps the FBI to manage to take the money.  The local police chief will work with the Kingston boys as they will lay traps to capture Everett & Freddie.

What follows is that Jacob will recover, and he will know that Pearl was the perfect person for him.  Asher and Nora are very much in love, and she will move to Austin, after selling her family home. Dylan and Angie get married, and Gunner returns to Dallas, as he is a great detective. 

Midnight was a terrific, intense and love story, especially with the Kingston family. I really enjoyed this story, with so much going on.  Midnight was so very well written by Sharon Sala.  Great story that held my attention throughout.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne – a Review

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Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne – a Review

 

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Description:
‘Tis the season for a little white lie…

Christmas has always been single mom Holly Goodwin Moore’s favorite time of year. The twinkly lights on the tree, the cookies in the oven, the snow on the ground. But she’s just not feeling it this year. The wedding in her ex’s family is almost here, her daughter, Lydia, is bursting at the seams to be a flower girl…and Holly couldn’t be dreading it more. She told a little white lie about having a new boyfriend as her plus-one, hoping to save face. She needs a date for the wedding…and she needs it now.

Ryan Caldwell wants to be free this holiday season. So even he isn’t sure how he landed in Shelter Springs, looking after his niece, Audrey, with his estranged father down the road. But when he meets Holly, she makes him want to belong for the very first time. So they make a he’ll be her date if she’ll help him give Audrey a true Christmas to remember while her mom is away. 

 

 

Review:

Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne is a wonderful heartwarming, sweet romance. We meet Holly Goodwin, who is divorced, with a 5-year-old daughter, Lydia; she lives in a small town, Shelter Springs. Holly is struggling during this holiday season, as she is preparing for the wedding of her former sister-in-law, with Holly doing all the flowers, Lydia is happy being a flower girl, and her ex-husband will be attending.

Holly’s employee/friend Kim, was going to rehab, and she begs her brother to come to town to watch over Kim’s daughter, Audrey. Ryan Caldwell arranges to take a leave from his Navy pilot assignments, and watch over Audrey. Ryan is tall, handsome, and recovering from an injury; but he is determined to give Audrey a fun time.  Then he meets Holly, and together they strike up a deal; she will help his niece celebrate Christmas, and he will be her plus one for the upcoming wedding.

What starts as a fake dating agreement, turns into a slow burn romance, with both Holly and Ryan beginning to feel the chemistry between them which in time will become much more.   The family dynamics appear within both Holly and Ryan’s family.  Holly will find a way to accept her ex and his wife, and allow Lydia to enjoy both.  Ryan had issues with his estranged father, when he realizes that his father changed over time. I really liked Holly and Ryan, as they were great together. It was wonderful to see them fall hard for each other.  I adored both Lydia and Audrey.

Snow Kissed was heartwarming, sweet, emotional, romantic and a perfect cozy Christmas magical story.  Snow Kissed was so very well written by RaeAnne Thayne. This was a wonderful holiday escape, that should not be missed.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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He Falls First by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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He Falls First by Jill Shalvis – a Review

 

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Description:
No one is going to convince her to fall in love again…

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, scarred chef Penny. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

Penny’s learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.

 

 

Review:

He Falls First by Jill Shalvis is the first book in her new Colburn Brothers series. Ryder Colburn owns and operates a successful restoration business with his two brothers. He is the one who always watches over his brothers and sister (Caleb, Tucker and Kiera), making sure they are safe and taken care of.  Ryder still feels the tragic loss of Kiera’s husband and his best friend. Ryder also takes care of his father (who had a stroke) at night, even though his father was very abusive with his kids; now he mentally disabled.

Penny Rose returns home as she moves in with her grandma and her brother, Wyatt; in their dilapidated house. She always wanted to open a café, to help support her family, but she realizes it is only a dream.  Penny knows she needs to work and earn a pay check to make ends; and when her grandmother asks Ryder to help make renovations around their house; he agrees to help each evening fixing things.  In a short time, Ryder finds himself attracted to Penny, and though she had an abusive boyfriend from the past, she does find herself getting to know Ryder and enjoying his company.

The slow-burn chemistry between them continues to grow. Penny is sweet and funny, as well as a hard worker. Ryder was so patient and kind with her, as he was determined to win her over, as she needed to begin to trust and heal from her ex. A strong bond developed between them, as they grew closer, with Penny finally letting her guard down. Both have the support of loving, pushy and nosy, families. It was refreshing that Ryder is the one who truly falls first. 

He Falls First was a heartwarming, fun, emotional, great characters, family, banter and sweet romance. It was a slow-burn romance that had a lot of humor, and also a fun crazy parrot. He Falls First was very well written by Jill Shalvis, which has always been the norm for this wonderful author.  Can’t wait to see who is next in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Sunset by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Sunset by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
Crossroads, Texas, just might be the place to settle down and find the love of your dreams in this new small town romance series

World-champion bull rider Sonny Bluejacket was bucked off a bull and critically injured. He died twice on the operating table and then survived. Now retired from the rodeo circuit, Sonny is living with his brother and family in Oklahoma when he inherits a horse ranch outside of a little town in West Texas called Crossroads. The first person he meets upon arrival is an intriguing waitress named Magnolia “Maggie” Brennen, who works in a café called The Yellow Rose. Their attraction is instant. But it isn’t until much later that Sonny discovers Maggie’s secret talent for painting, and a whole new opportunity for Maggie opens up as a result of Sonny’s supportive urging.

Their relationship grows as Sonny wades through taking over the inherited ranch, horses, truck and property. He’s finally finding his place within the surrounding community, only to be accosted by his no-good father who comes looking for a handout, or to destroy everything, including Maggie. But Sonny isn’t about to let that happen.

 

 

Review:

Sunset by Sharon Sala is the first book in her new Crossroads series.  We meet Sonny Bluejacket, who was a world-champion bull rider, and is currently living with his brother and family. Sonny no longer does bull riding, as he had a terrible accident (nearly died) that ended his career. We also learn that Sonny has a gift given by his ancestors, which allows him to have visions when bad things happen.  Sonny is shocked to learn that he inherited a horse ranch from Emmet, in Crossroads, Texas.

We also meet Magnolia (Maggie) Brennen who had a terrible childhood, and when ex-boyfriend dumped at the steps of The Yellow Rose restaurant, she was all alone. The owner of the restaurant,  Pearl took her in, and Maggie and Pearl have been together for many years, working the restaurant. She has found friends and built a good life for herself.  Maggie has her own gift, being a secret painter at night, always looking at the sunsets.

When Sonny arrives in Crossroads, he stops at the Yellow Rose, and remembers Pearl, as she remembers him.  He finds himself attracted to Maggie.  Thus begins the wonderful journey between Sonny and Maggie, who are destined to be together; with amazing chemistry between them.

Sonny’s father, who left him at the age of 5, is a horrible evil man.  When he learns that Sonny inherited land, he makes plans to kill Sonny and take over the land.  When he arrives in Crossroads, the father kidnaps Maggie, and it will be Sonny who will save her, and the local police will arrest him.  By the end of the story, the father will get his comeuppance.

I loved how wonderful Sonny and Maggie were together. I also loved Pearl, who was almost like a mother to Maggie.  The whole town was great. I also enjoyed seeing Sonny’s family arrive to visit at Crossroads. 

Sunset was a compelling, heartwarming, captivating, suspense, emotional, small town and a wonderful romance. The suspenseful layer of the story, kept the tension high and keeping me unable to put the book down. Sunset was so very well written by Sharon Sala.  I suggest you read Sunset, and it was a terrific story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Crossing Paths by Katie Ruggle – a Review

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Crossing Paths by Katie Ruggle – a Review

 

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Description:
Norah Pax loves working behind the scenes for her family’s Rocky Mountain bounty-hunting business. But unlike her adrenaline-junkie sisters, she only enjoys chasing down a skip from the safety of her laptop. She has all the computer skills she could want, but her fighting technique is lacking–so when all hands are needed, she dredges up her courage to ask surly MMA expert Dashiell Porter to teach her everything she needs to know. Dash may be terrifying to most, but his unexpected gentleness makes her feel safe, and it isn’t long before things begin heating up.

Dash is used to people slowly backing away when he enters a room, but a certain beautiful bounty hunter’s earnest trust throws him off guard…and catches his attention. Yet as the two throw punches and awkwardly flirt, vultures circle. Every criminal in town has turned against the Pax girls, and they’re willing to hit them where they’re (supposedly) weakest: Norah. To keep herself and her family safe, Norah will need every new skill that Dash teaches her.

Good thing that Dash is ready to do whatever it takes to protect the gentle-yet-fierce bounty hunter who stole his heart.

 

 

 

Review:

Crossing Paths by Katie Ruggle is the 2nd book in her Beneath the Wild Sky series. We meet Norah Pax, who works for her family’s Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunting business. Norah is happy in her work using her computer, which is unlike her other sisters who have no problems finding the criminals.  Norah decides to gather her courage to learn how to fight, and gets MMA expert Dashiell Porter to teach her all that she needs to know; especially since her sisters think of her as a weak link.

Dash knew what she needed, to help her learn to challenge herself to be comfortable in fighting enemies. Though Dash pushes her to the max, Norah is surprised by his gentleness and showing how he makes her feel safe.  Dash becomes very protective in helping and protecting Norah, and soon a relationship grows. The chemistry between them sizzles, with both falling for each other. In a short time, Norah begins to learn how to fight the criminals, using all the skills she learned over time. It was fun to see Norah slowly defeat those enemies, whom she is trying to find.  Despite all criminals have turned against the Pax girls, Norah is the one who is they try to hurt her; especially getting Dash and her to find the two stalkers. To keep her family safe, Norah will learn all the new skills that Dash teaches her.

I thought it was cute to see her sisters teasing her, as well as her slow burn romance with Dash. I also loved how Dash made sure to be there every time to protect Norah, in helping her find the criminals. I really loved Norah and Dash together, as they made a terrific couple.  

Crossing Paths was a wonderful, exciting, suspenseful, romantic mystery that kept me glued to my kindle.  I adored both Norah and Dash. Crossing Paths was very well written by Katie Ruggle.  This was a fun story, which I suggest you read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Someone to Love by Michelle Major – a Review

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Someone to Love by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
One month. One fake boyfriend. One shot at forever.

I’ve got four weeks to cross one thing off my bucket list—and it isn’t exactly PG.

I’m not the type to take risks, but when a friend battling cancer dares you to go big, you don’t say no. My mission? Lose my V-card before my baby sister’s wedding. Did I mention she’s marrying my high school crush? Yeah. There’s no way I’m walking into that ceremony as the awkward, untouched older sister.

Enter single dad Ian Barlowe—my sinfully hot, NFL legend neighbor, who owes me big time after his daughter breaks into my house. He offers to make amends by playing my fake boyfriend. How can I say no?

It should be easy enough—except nothing about Ian feels fake. The chemistry? Explosive. His unexpected sweetness? Heart-melting. And the way he seems to like me just as I am? Ruh, roh.

Here’s the thing—I don’t do vulnerability, and neither does he. But as the line between pretend and real starts to blur—especially in the bedroom—I wonder if happily-ever-after is a game we can win. I set out to score one for the bucket list, but now I’m playing for keeps. And if we’re not careful, I might lose my heart in the final play.

 

 

 

Review:

Someone to Love by Michelle Major is the first book in her new The Skylark series. We meet Sadie Hart, who owns a doggie daycare center, in her Skylark, Colorado town.  Sadie always puts everyone else’s needs and happiness before her own, especially her sister, Piper; who is planning a wedding with an old boyfriend of Sadie.

Ian Barlow, ex-retired NFL player, who just moved in next to Sadie’s house; Ian plans to spend more time with his daughter, Riva; as his ex-wife is away making movies. Riva is around 13, and wants a dog, but neither parents will allow that; when she steals one of the dogs, Ian offers to make amends.  Riva falls in love with all the cute dogs, and gets to work at the doggie daycare; with Sadie, being a mentor and role model for Riva.

Ian finds himself attracted to Sadie, and with pressure from some of Sadie’s friends, he agrees to play fake boyfriend, for Piper’s wedding. As they pretend to people the fake relationship in town. The more time they spend together, their chemistry begins to sizzle between them.  Ian doesn’t feel their relationship is fake, and slowly, Sadie too finds her heart not feeling fake either. There were definitely sexy moments throughout.

I really like Sadie and Ian together, as they made a great couple.  I loved Riva, who became so close to Sadie and the adorable dogs.  The side characters such as Sally, Trina, Piper, Felix, and the book club group were all terrific, adding a lot of charm.  Sadie also worries about her friend, Sloane, who is diagnosed with possible cancer.

Someone to Love was a lighthearted, engaging, cozy, small town romance full of love, friends and family. The story was sweet, entertaining, sexy, funny and witty at times.  Someone to Love was so very well written by Michelle Major. I really enjoyed this book, and suggest you read this too.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Made to Love You by Nan Reinhardt – a Review

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Made to Love You by Nan Reinhardt – a Review

 

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Description:
She’s not looking for love, but a handsome veterinarian and a lost puppy have other plans…

Gorgeous and gifted, Annabelle Walker is a force of nature. A talented architect who has brought new designs and concepts to her family’s construction firm, Anna’s happy and doesn’t feel anything’s missing from her life, even as her siblings have all fallen in love this year. And then she finds an injured puppy on a bike ride.

 

 

Review:

Made to Love You by Nan Reinhardt is the 4th book in her wonderful The Walkers of River’s Edge series. We meet Annabelle Walker, who is an architect, creating designs for her family’s construction firm.  Anna has recently broken up with her ex-boyfriend, and seems content, happy about her life at the present, and is thrilled about her siblings all finding love. 

Anna is riding her bike, and comes across an injured puppy, who must have been dumped.  She hears a car, and a man turns up asking for directions; to her shock, the man happens to be a new veterinarian.  Sawyer Braxton is the new vet, and he helps Anna to try and save the dog. Anna will lead him to the John Price’s Animal Clinic, and he ends up being the dog’s first patient. While Anna is still at the clinic, Sawyer decides to name the female dog, Trixie.

Though Anna does not like pets, she is pressured to consider adopting, Trixie, who would remain at the hospital for a few weeks. River’s Edge welcomed Sawyer, into the town. Sawyer immediately finds himself very attracted to Anna, as she willingly teaches him how to bicycle ride, and in time, she agrees to temporarily volunteer to watch over Trixie. But as time passes, Anna will fall in love with Trixie, as well as her feelings for Sawyer. Sawyer is determined to win over Anna, to help her find new love with him and learn to trust again.

I really loved Sawyer, as he was sweet, kind and a total gentleman.  I also loved Anna, though she was bent on not becoming to close, having been hurt before; but she slowly started falling for Sawyer. I loved loved Trixie, who won both Anna and Sawyer’s heart.

Made to Love You was a wonderful addition to this wonderful The Walkers of River’s Edge series. Made To Love You was a sweet romance, wonderful couple, adorable dog, fun and great secondary characters.  Once again, Nan Reinhardt gives us another wonderful story in River’s Edge, which was so very well written.  No surprise, as I love all of her previous books.  If you enjoy romance, great couple, wonderful secondary characters, and fantastic small town, I suggest you read this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied by Author

 

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Bad Seed by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Bad Seed by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
Can she have the man of her dreams and the life she’s always wanted?

It’s love at first sight when head pastry chef Brendan Pope meets private investigator Harley Banks at Serenity Inn for her latest investigation. But unknown to them both, Harley has a hitman after her, courtesy of the wrong-doer she put behind bars on her last case. The FBI gets involved to clean up the loose ends so Harley can continue the investigation at the inn. But after nearly losing her, Brendan will stop at nothing to make sure Harley is safe and the criminals get their comeuppance.

 

 

Review:

Bad Seed by Sharon Sala is the 5th book in her wonderful Jubilee, Kentucky series. This is the end of the Jubilee, Kentucky series, as Brendan Pope’s story was the last of the Popes.  Brendan is the head pastry chef at the Serinity Inn in Jubilee.

Harley Banks, is a PI/Forensic Auditor, who just finished her latest case, and now accepts another case in Jubilee; helping the owner of the hotel investigating information about the new manager. She has no idea that someone is trying to find her from the previous case; planning on eliminating her. 

Brendan meets Harley, as they are both working at the hotel; he is immediately drawn to her; with Harley also attracted to him; with the sparks flying.   In a short time, they both fall in love, and Harley is very good at her job, weeding out corruption.  When Harley is attacked, she manages to find her gun, and shoot the villain; but she ended up with some injuries, forcing her to go to the hospital.  Brendan took time off, to help Harley recuperate, and help her finding the missing links from the previous case. The FBI becomes involved, with Harley continuing to investigate the manager, as well as finding the real villain; who could endanger her life. 

There are a number of revolving issues around the hotel & family, including stalking, trafficking and murder; with Brendan and Harley becoming involved in. Harley meets all of the Pope family, with Brendan, and they will be there to support her in any way that she needs. All the characters are all wonderful; and Brendan, Harley are a terrific and fun couple. I really liked the two Pope police officers, as they were always there to help Brendan and Harley.

Bad Seed was an addictive storyline that was also a very compelling read.  Bad Seed was an exciting, suspenseful, intense, vicious, that kept me unable to put the book down. Brendan and Harley made a great couple, and a fabulous family. Bad Seed was so very well written by Sharon Sala. This was the final book in the Jubilee, Kentucky series, and I wholly suggest if you have not read this series, you should start from the beginning.  Very well done.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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