Review: Protecting the Enemy

Synopsis: 

Protecting the Enemy was originally published as Honor Bound. It has since been expanded, revised, and re-edited.
Twelve years ago, I gave up the love of my life because my family made the relationship impossible. Now that Ali has come back to me, I’m not going to give her up again.
It’s been years since I’ve seen her, and I know she’s hated me all this time. I never expected to see her working as an event planner for one of my father’s business partners. But here she is, always snooping around and getting into trouble. I’m supposed to be providing security, but I can’t stop thinking about her.
She’s up to something, and it might put her in danger. She sees me as the enemy now. Maybe I am, but I’m not going to lose her again. I might be hired to protect the man she’s working against, but my heart only wants to protect her. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Protecting the Enemy by both Samantha Chase and Noelle Adams is the second installment to their new romance series. This book is another tale about second chances. A romance that existed but never got the chance to bloom until now. But there’s plenty of obstacles to get through first. Love is messy, complex, and complicated. It can leave damage…

Hatred, anger, danger, and sparks ignite in this exciting book. I felt closer to these characters than the previous book. However, I still miss the full fledge magic that Samantha Chase always brings to her books. Seeing as this is co-written, it’s hard to  feel that magic that I’m so used to feeling. But it’s still worth reading every damn page. I was engaged. Hooked. Intrigued by ehatwould transpire between the two protagonists. Writers Samantha Chase and Noelle Adams create a chemistry that lingers far after one finishes reading. Overall, I recommend this second title to readers everywhere. Protecting the Enemy is a contemporary full of heat and action. 

Review: Any Dream Will Do

Synopsis:

Shay Benson adored her younger brother, Caden, and that got her into trouble. When he owed money, Shay realized she would do anything to help him avoid the men who were threatening him, and she crossed lines she never should have crossed. Now, determined to start fresh, she finds herself in search of a place to stay and wanders into a church to escape from the cold.
Pastor Drew Douglas adored his wife. But when he lost her, it was all he could do to focus on his two beautiful kids, and his flock came in a distant third. Now, as he too is thinking about a fresh start, he walks through his sanctuary and finds Shay sitting in a pew.

The pair strike up a friendship—Drew helps Shay get back on her feet, and she reignites his sense of purpose—that, over time, turns into something deeper, something soulful, spiritual, and possibly romantic. Even Drew’s two children are taken with this woman who has brought light back into their lives. Perhaps most important, Shay learns to trust again as she, in turn, proves herself trustworthy to her adopted community.

But Caden’s return to town and a disastrous secret threaten to undo the life Shay has tried so hard to rebuild. It will take the utmost courage and faith if she and Drew hope to find healing and open their hearts to a brighter future.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber is as close to a realistic story as possible. Everything felt real. It was like reading a person’s journey from the rough life to a good one. A young woman has had trust issues due to the men in her life. With no One But a brother as family and as a friend, Shay had to learn a lot of lessons. Including, not trusting her baby brother. He relied on her and she made a bad choice because she thought it was a life or death situation. Her brother used her. Broke his promise and left Shay to deal with the consequences. Shay went to prison, lost her bank job, and is dealing with a lot of emotions. Anger, fear, and survival mode. After being released she finds no where to go. Stepping into a church, Shay’s life turns around….she meets Paster Drew. 

Pastor Drew is another interesting character. He and his very young kids lost a loved one. A wife and mother. Drew was hopeless and lost until he meets Shay. He sees hope for her. Even though she can’t. She has a tough attitude but inside she’s good. Drew calls a friend and help Shay into a program for women like her. Because he helped her, Shay forms an attachment of trust, liking, and hope towards him. Drew can’t help but feel good knowing he helped her. Something about Shay also gives him hope for the future. Then there’s his kids. Both meet Shay. Shay loves them as much as they love her. 

Debbie Macomber has written an inspiring tale here. I couldn’t stop reading it. The whole story made me cry, smile, and fall in love. Lost souls finding their ways after a tragedy. A little faith, hope, and love go a long way in this novel. Those who have been through a tough time can easily relate to both Shay and Drew’s issues. Struggles can make or break us at times. But it’s about continuing even when we have nothing else to lose. Overall, I recommend this contemporary to all. Any Dream Will Do is a must read. 

Review: When Summer Comes

Synopsis:

Welcome to Whiskey Creek— Heart of the Gold Country!
One day, Callie Vanetta receives devastating news…

She needs a liver transplant. But her doctors warn that, in her case, the chances of finding a compatible donor aren’t good.
Determined to spend whatever time she has left on her own terms, she keeps the diagnosis to herself and moves out to her late grandparents’ farm. She’s always wanted to live there. But the farm hasn’t been worked in years and she begins to fear she can’t manage it, that she’ll have to return to town.

One night, a stranger comes knocking at her door…

He’s an attractive and mysterious drifter by the name of Levi McCloud, and he offers to trade work for a few nights’ shelter. Callie figures she doesn’t have anything to lose. He needs a place to stay until he can fix his motorcycle; she needs an extra pair of hands. The arrangement seems ideal until what was supposed to be temporary starts to look more and more permanent. Then she realizes she does have something to lose—her heart. And, although he doesn’t yet know it, Levi stands to lose even more. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

When Summer Comes by Brenda Novak is a charming tale. I recommend this book to be added to readers’ to be read pile. Brenda Novak has never once let me down with her books. Not once.  This story, has elements that wind their way around my heart and soul. Choices, second chances, and new beginnings. Life is scary. Here, in Brenda’s latest book, I got a taste of it. Callie is a woman going through a rough patch. Her liver is failing her. She hides her pain from almost everyone. Especially, the new stranger who found his way into her heart. Callie felt the instant attraction to Levi. Hit her like a ton of bricks. His broad shoulders and height make him impossible to forget. He’s also got a heart made of gold. 

Levi has had a bad life. His parents’ marriage failed. His mom ran away with his sister. Leaving him behind with the abusive control freak of a dad. Actually, he father was never a parent. Levi left for the army as soon as he could. Escaping from his father. But then, he has also experienced loss too. His lost a child and his woman. Levi still blames himself for her death. Now, on the run from hitting a copy who hit him first, Levi needs a place to hide. But it only leads him to bleeding on Callie’s porch. From there the two bond. Even Callie’s dog likes Levi.  Untrouble never goes away…a past and present danger seem to tangle into the characters lives. Maybe there is hope after all…

Brenda Novak has stunned me with this book. I couldn’t stop reading it. Love, risks, and life threatening situations make this an exciting read. I was hooked. Intrigued. When Summer Comes is sweet, spicy, and everything in between. Falling in love with the story just happened…overall, this is a must read for all. 

Review: Brambleberry House

Synopsis:

Come stay awhile at Brambleberry House, a place infused with acceptance, healing and heart–as only RaeAnne Thayne can imagine it.

 
His Second-Chance Family 

Julia Blair spent many happy summers at Cannon Beach and fell hard for sweet local boy Will Garrett. Now the for-rent sign at Brambleberry House seems like a wonderful omen for widowed Julia and her young children. She craves the warmth she once felt in Brambleberry House–and in Will’s arms. But before he can embrace his first love, he’ll have to lay down the burden of the past and open his heart again.

 
A Soldier’s Secret 

Struggling to rebuild her business and her life, Anna Galvez knows she’s fortunate to have inherited Brambleberry House as her rock-solid base. When she finds a handsome new tenant in injured army pilot Harry Maxwell, Anna thinks her luck–in love, at least–might be changing. Until the lieutenant’s story begins to unravel…

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

RaeAnne Thayne is a mastermind when it comes to creating the perfect contemporary romance tales. Her latest book, Brambleberry House, contains two short novellas. Each one has its way of pulling me deep into its journey. Epic, heartfelt, and well-written. The characters are to die for…

Inside, His Second-Chance Family, I got to two old sweethearts. Traveling back to their sweet moment of being 16-years-old and in love. A brief sweet kiss from a first love.  Their memory of that has stayed with them even now, as adults. One stayed and the other left. Now, many years later, fate has brought them together. Both have lost a loved one two. Their shared experience in pain, grief, loss, and love has a way of making a new path. Maybe, love and healing is in the air…

Next, is A Soldier’s Secret. Here, I got to meet a nephew of a deceased woman. His aunt gave her home to two ladies. One such lady was Anna Galvez. Her luck in love was bad. Her finance ran off with another woman and left her on their wedding day…

Now, she appears stiff as a board but there’s more to Anna than beats the human eye. With some help from a dog and the spirit of the deceased aunt…Anna and Harry might have a chance at a happily ever after. But they must overcome their fears and find courage to move forward. Love is in the air. It’s up to the charcaters to brace enoughto accept it.

Troubled hearts filled with pain, loss, and grief. RaeAnne Thayne has brought two unique tales that teach lessons of life as well as showing me that anything is possible. Love can happen when we least expect it to…overall, I highly recommend Brambleberry House to readers worldwide. The plot was enticing from the first page. Charming charcaters and tales that steal readers’ hearts.

Review: Mr. Make Believe

Synopsis:

Marnie Martin’s formerly perfect life is not quite going to plan. 
Hard-hitting newspaper journalist turned stay at home mum slash part-time (terrible) cookery columnist slash full-time day dreamer, she’s not entirely sure when it all went wrong… 
She suspects it was at exactly the moment she gave up writing the front page for the apparent bliss of perfect motherhood. But while her (tall, handsome, lawyer) husband Matt’s career is taking off, she is left behind with the impossible task of pairing socks. His late nights at the office are turning into late nights who knows where else. They haven’t had a proper conversation in weeks, sex in months, and a full night’s sleep in what must be years. Love has taken a back seat to the laundry pile and Marnie is feeling a little lost. 
So when an extended fantasy about movie star Maddox Wolfe leads to a missed deadline, a very high profile case of food poisoning, the loss of her job and potentially her husband… Marnie becomes Mrs Make Believe: Anonymous blogger, secret spiller and voice of fantasy-life spinning imperfect mums everywhere. 
Mrs Make Believe knows the bedtime battles, the marriage screw ups and the shrinking clothing (she remains a size 10, what are her clothes playing at?) only too well. She also knows that it’s ok to let your mind wander into make believe… What she didn’t know was that a movie star crush could walk off the screen and into her life, turning her already muddled world (with a husband with one foot out the door) totally on its head. 
Will Marnie be sucked back into the world of uncomfortable cocktail dresses and Botox-frozen smiles? Will she find happiness in her infuriatingly imperfect marriage or in the arms of the (literal) man of her dreams? Or will Marnie find that true love is just make believe? 

This laugh out loud romantic comedy will have you glued to your sofa. Journalist turned author, Beezy Marsh, is perfect for fans of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones, Tracy Bloom and The Bad Mother’s Diary. The battle through love, life and laundry should never be a one woman struggle. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Mr. Make Believe by Beezy Marsh is a hilarious women’s fictional tale. A romantic comedy about life and marriage. Inside this book, readers will find a strong woman whose life changes after becoming a mother. Her fashion writing career comes to a halt as well as the romance in her marriage. Her career comes to a haunt, while her husband is to busy with his. Lately, he becomes more interested in his work and other things than in the woman he loved and married. 

Marriage has its ups and downs. Beezy Marsh clearly shows readers just that withevery page. However, its more complicated than just a marriage suffering. The main charcater, Marnie finds a way to combat her dead end life. She creates a column about fantasy life. Her readers become so engaged in her that she ends up selling a book. By that time, Marine will have had a romance with her fantasy crush, experienced being cheated upon,and come to realize that her love for her husband is greater than what she thought. Whether she leaves her crush for her husband is for readers to figure out for themselves. I loved following this emotional journey. 

Mr. Make Believe is the type of novel, that pulls in readers like myself. I became addicted. Page after page, the fun never stopped. The ending was just as brilliant as the beginning. Love, marriage, betrayal, and second chances are all inside this book. Beezy Marsh has a way with brining her charcaters and words to life. Over, I was satisfied with reading it. Highly recommend it to all. 

Review: The Chocolate Comeback

Synopsis:

Fame, fortune and fashion: that’s aspiring model Deirdre Cash’s ideal life. But when her splashy New York career dries up, she swallows her pride and returns to Marietta, Montana, desperate for any work she can find.
Isaac Litton doesn’t want the intrusion of a home care aide for his brother, Mark. But when the young man takes a shine to DeeDee, Isaac decides to give her a chance. He can’t help but be impressed when DeeDee changes his brother’s life around, by rewarding his healthy habits and exercising with treats from the Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop. Gorgeous and opinionated, DeeDee stirs everything up in the Litton household, including an attraction that Isaac can’t deny.
As DeeDee and Isaac start to fall for each other, an unexpected opportunity arises that could launch DeeDee back into the modeling scene. It’s her chance to achieve everything she’s ever wanted. But taking it would mean letting down her friends at the chocolate shop, her family who believes in her, a boy who adores her, and a man who thinks she’s already perfect, just the way she is. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Chocolate Comeback by Roxanne Snopek is another brilliant masterpiece by this talented writer. I highly recommend this to all. There’s humor, romance, and and chocolate. I loved this deadly combo. I was enchanted throughout the book. The main character, DeeDee, is fascinating. She doubts herself when a new challenge arises yetshe goes about doing it anyway. I really liked that about DeeDee. It made her real. Plus, her personality is a bubbly one. It would be hard not to smile when DeeDee is around…

Roxanne Snopek created a beautiful enriching story. Here, inside her seventh novel, we meet Issac who has a brother, Mark. Mark has a learning disability. This part of the novel caught my attention and snagged me further into the fictional tale. I loved how the main charcater interacted with Issac’s brother, Mark. She ends up helping Mark improve himself and his life. A positive and heart felt journey. The Chocolate Comeback is exciting, entertaining, and well-written. Overall, I highly recommend it. 

Review: The Blue Hour

Synopsis:

Sometimes you get a second chance to live the life you’ve always wanted…if you’re brave enough to take the chance.
In this epic tale of love, loss, and redemption, the year is 1861, a time when women are expected to be married by a certain age. At 26, spinster Emily Wainwright has no reason to believe her sheltered life will ever change — until the charming Samuel Todd unexpectedly crosses her path.
Samuel yearns to homestead and start a family in Oregon, but he first needs to find a wife. Blinded by Samuel’s good looks, and grasping at her final chance to have a husband and children, Emily accepts his marriage proposal. However, Samuel is not the man she thought he was, and her marriage becomes a cold, cruel prison, offering her no solace amidst the hardships of farm life. 
When Samuel dies and a second chance at love and happiness arrives in the form of farmhand Cole Walker, Emily must overcome her bitter past—or risk losing Cole and the life she has always dreamed of having. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Blue Hour by Vicki Righettini is a historical read that will inspire many. Inside, readers will find out how women lived, what was expected of them by society, and the difficulty of marriage. Marriage is scary especially, during this time period. If stuck in a bad marriage, there was any escape. I easily connected with the main charcater. A pioneer woman. Stronger than most women I know. 

The Blue Hour presents readers with the journey of one woman. Emily Wainright. She wasn’t married yet but the pressure of it caused her some serious issues. Then, marrying lead her to a man who looked good outside but was rotten inside…the marriage was a disaster. No escape. But Emily spores her best to survive. Soon, fate gives her a second chance in life. Her husband dies leaving her free. Only Emily isn’t sure of what to make of the new man in her life. Life is hard and having already made one mistake, Emily is weary of making another one. 

Next there’s the male protagonist. Cole Walker. A decent man who is a farmhand. Good looking and kind. He is good for Emily. However, due to her past, Cole may not have a chance with her. Their futures are set on whether Emily can overcome her fears and let go of the past. Otherwise, she may lose her chance at happiness. Real happiness. 

The Blue Hour is an unforgettable tale. Detailing the hardships and life of women out west. I was fascinated from the beginning to end. Here, I experienced hard work, society’s rules and expectation, romance, love, loss, and kindness. The emotional journey was believable and stunning. Overall, I highly recommend Vicki Righettini’s novel to readers everywhere. 

Review: You’ll Think of Me

Synopsis:

In a small town in Idaho’s idyllic wine country where the past looms large, can two people realize their individual dreams for the future … together?
Abandoned once too often, Brooklyn Myers never intended to return to Thunder Creek, Idaho. Her hometown holds too many memories of heartache and rejection. But when her estranged husband Chad Hallston dies and leaves his family home and acreage to her and their ten-year-old daughter Alycia, it’s an opportunity to change their lives for the better—a chance Brooklyn can’t pass up, for Alycia’s sake if not her own.
Derek Johnson, Chad’s best friend since boyhood, isn’t keen on the return of Brooklyn Myers to Thunder Creek. He still blames her for leading his friend astray. And now she has ruined his chance to buy the neighboring ten acres which would have allowed him to expand his organic farm. To add insult to injury, Chad’s dying request was that Derek become the father to Alycia that Chad never was. How can he keep that promise without also spending time with the girl’s mother?
Brought together by unexpected circumstances, Derek and Brooklyn must both confront challenges to their dreams and expectations. He must overcome long held misconceptions about Brooklyn while she must learn to trust someone other than herself. And if they can do it, they just might discover that God has something better in mind than either of them ever imagined.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

You’ll Think of Me by Robin Hatcher is a heartfelt yet a good Christian tale. I loved how the characters spoke to God in prayer. Life is difficult and never easy. Praying helps lift the burdens, doubts, and fears off their shoulders. Another great part of this wonderfully woven novel, was how the writer spun the characters’ past and present moments together. I thought it might make it harder to follow along. But it didn’t. It gave me more understanding into the characters. 

Robin Hatcher’s leading female protagonist, Brooklyn Myers, returns back home. She came back due to her husband’s death and his will staying the house goes to both her and their daughter. Pain is easily felt as Brooklyn moves through these scenes. My heart ached for her. Death, loss, and grief will consume readers instantly like it did for me. 

Next, there’s Derek Johnson, Robin Hatcher’s lead male protagonist. He was best of friends with  Brooklyn Myers’ husband. He too, returns back to Thunder Creek, Idaho. Unlike Brooklyn, Derek is full of anger. Especially, at her for what she did to her husband, Chad. Then, there’s the  promise from Chad about being a father to Alycia. That proves most difficult when her mom is the one woman he doesn’t want to be near. Derek also wanted to expand his land but now, he can’t…

Fate has brought both Brooklyn and Derek together. Each one is facing their own personal issues. Trust and letting go of the past will prove hard for these two characters. However, there’s hope and where there’s hope there’s a possibility. Dreams might just be on the horizon. I loved following the characters. Their emotions took over me. Engulfing me into their hearts as the pages speed by…I highly recommend this well-written tale to readers everywhere. You’ll Think of Me is right…after reading it, I’m still thinking about the plot, characters and all. 

Review: Still in Love With You

Synopsis:

Feisty businesswoman Aubree Manning knew coming back to Prospect, Texas would land her in the middle of drama. Her ex-boyfriend-turned-sheriff, Parker Montgomery, never forgave her for dumping his Camaro into the pond before she left town. Determined to make her pay, Parker arrests her the moment she enters town, but she manages to smooth talk her way out of trouble. However, it soon becomes difficult to suppress her lingering feelings for Parker when she starts spending more and more time with him. 

Parker suffers in silence with anxiety and nightmares due to his dark past. After serving in the army for nearly eight years, he came back to Prospect to start anew. Though he never quite got over Aubree bailing on him the moment she turned eighteen, it seemed so easy picking up where they left off. The past can be forgiven, but the future stands in the balance. She’s only in town for a week and then she’s going to do the very thing she did ten years ago, unless Parker can find some way to convince her to stay.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Still in Love With You by Lexie Davis is a romance that tugged at my heart, made me die with laughter, and had me falling in love. A military man struggling with after war terrors on his own and a woman from his past spinning his life even more out of control. Parker thought he was tough enough to handle life alone, until his old love came back to town. Aubree thought she could come home and not fall madly in love with her old flame, Parker. But spending time with him, has gotten under her skin as well as his. Neither own can deny their attraction. This sweet southern tale, has a lot of bumps but soon finds a smoothness tha works. It’s only time before both explode or completely fall apart. I loved the emotional attachment that came from reading this book. Lexie Davis knew what she was planning when she wrote this novel. I can’t forget the charcaters and their dilemmas as well as their love. Broken hearts being mended and forgiven is the best kind of story. Overall, I highly recommend Still in Love With You to readers worldwide. 

Review: Back to Your Love

Synopsis:

An exciting new contemporary romance series from Kianna Alexander featuring successful men and the women they’re determined to win

What would you give for a second chance?

Xavier Whitted has a lot on his plate. As a hardworking businessman, mentor to troubled teens, and aspiring politician in his Southern hometown, the daily demands never let up. A weekend at the beach for his best friend’s wedding is exactly what he needs, especially if it gives him the chance to see the woman he lost ten years ago.

Imani Grant is more beautiful, confident and intelligent than ever, and their connection is still sizzling. But Imani harbors a secret that could destroy both their blossoming careers. She knows she has to keep her distance, but Xavier is determined to win back her heart—consequences be damned.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Back to Your Love by Kianna Alexander is one rollercoaster ride. Epic in every way. Two former lovers are reunited. Brought together at a friend’s wedding. It’s there and then, that both of them will feel the magnetic pull to each other. Their love never ended. It will take everything they have to get over the past and into the future. Kianna Alexander has created a perfect steamy Read with deep emotional attachments. It’s hard not to fall in love with the characters. Their crisis became mine and soon, I was lost within their story. Back to Your Love is all about mistakes, overcoming the past, and second chances. Forgiveness is a huge part of the tale. Impressive writing by this talented writer. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Overall, I recommend it to everyone. 

Review: Amish Weddings

Synopsis:

Gould’s Series Concludes in Love and Marriage

Gregarious Rose Lehman, who’s always the life of the Amish youth singings, is determined to marry the bishop’s son, Reuben Byler–until the handsome Army buddy of her future brother-in-law shows up in Lancaster County. In comparison to Trevor, Reuben seems downright boring. Trevor shares Rose’s sense of fun and adventure, and her easygoing disposition.

When her sister Lila’s buggy is rear-ended and Lila is horribly injured, Rose finds herself with more freedom than she’s ever experienced. Everyone is so concerned about Lila that no one realizes Rose is sneaking out with Trevor. Except for Reuben. But in his usual passive way, he doesn’t confront her, nor does he address the situation with her Dat or anyone else in the district. Rose appreciates Reuben’s discretion, but she also resents it. Part of her relishes the freedom she’s found with Trevor, but the other part of her wishes Reuben would “fight” for her, as much as any Amish man would. Too late, she realizes the foolish choice she’s made. Has she ruined her best chance at love, or is there another path to happiness she just hasn’t seen yet?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Amish Weddings by Leslie Gould is a must read. This engaging tale is unlike most Amish stories that I have read. It’s plot was unique. Inside, readers will find a lot of action, big families, and choices to make. The main characters have so much in common, I thought it would be a simple life for them. However, as in real life, things change. A young woman wanted marriage right away. But it didn’t happen. She felt a bit rebellious and believed in the wrong man. The one wrong man who made her pregnant. Despite her new life change, she grows as a woman. Doesn’t give up her faith and becomes kinder. Before, she only thought about a man’s riches and now, she doesn’t. All she has to do is put her faith back in God. God always helps. Blessings of all sorts happen within these pages. Beautifully written and highly realistic. I can actually see everything happening for real. Real choices and real world issues. Growing up, maturity, and love are just a few themes masterfully woven in Amish Weddings. Overall, I highly recommend Leslie Gould’s latest novel to readers worldwide. It’s sweet and emotionally entertaining. 

Review: One More Kiss

Synopsis:

Matt Reed was living the dream until a bad career move sends him back to his hometown for much-needed privacy. Instead, he finds someone he never expected: the woman whose steamy kiss he remembers like it was yesterday.

Vivienne Forrester finally has her life in order… until Matt moves back to town. She doesn’t want to think about the time she threw caution to the wind with him, but running into him everywhere, it’s impossible not to… 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Samantha Chase, wow, you have outdone yourself once more! First, let me just say, that Samantha Chase has a particular writing style that I love. Her characters have this tug of war going on in each one of her books. Especially, inside One More Kiss. The tug of war is not just one sided. Second, there’s this deep emotional journey that one or both main characters go through…like Matt Reed. He’s a sexy, hot, and talented rockstar. Double check. But there’s more to him than beats the eye. His past history comes to light. Family stuff that’s hard to swallow. Immediately, I wanted to hug him. I wanted to let him know I felt his pain and will be there to support him. Honestly, Matt Reed felt so real. His burdens were realistic. Samantha Chase has a knack for creating the best three-dimensional characters. Well-rounded. Sure they make look perfect and a have super great talent. But they also have real issues like the rest of our world. Real world issues masterfully woven into a beautiful told fictional piece. If that’s not enough to keep readers hooked there is the heat and instant chemistry war going on between Matt Reed and his best friend’s sister. Vivian had always had a fantasy dream crunch on Matt. Now as adults, it feels much more potent. Then getting to see him in person after all the years he’s been gone…and the desire and dreams hit her hard. Full force. Slap to the face. She meets him once again. They quickly share a kiss…before the world comes shaking up their moment. Vivian is taken away…and after that life went on like the moment never happened…Samantha Chase is a talented writer. She not only creates stories that readers can easily relate to and love but ones that will never be forgotten. This entire book was a journey…and it was epic in every way. Overall, if love hot rockstars and a powerful romance, then this novel is the perfect read. I highly recommend One More Kiss to readers worldwide. 

Review: Close to Home

Synopsis:

The best journeys take us home….

When Tessa Alexander came to Sanctuary Island, she left behind a marriage to a man who didn’t love her the way she loved him. When she finally found the strength to set them both free, she discovered friendship and self-acceptance in her adopted hometown. Now she’s settled into a quiet life on her own—never expecting to see her husband again.
Johnny spent almost two years deep undercover, unable to let his wife into his cold, dangerous world. He’s shaken to the core when he comes home to find her gone. It’s painfully clear that Tessa is no longer the timid young woman he married—she’s become a force of nature, a brave and determined beauty. Johnny can’t let her go without a fight so he sets out to seduce his own wife. But will passion alone be enough to convince Tessa that her new life should include a second chance at happiness with a man who must learn to believe in love?
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Close to Home by Lily Everett is a stunning piece. This contemporary romance appeals to the physical and emotional side of readers. The story instantly sweeps readers off their feet. A sexy undercover FBI agent comes back home. Only to find that his wife moved a year ago, created a new life, and sent divorce papers. Talk about a blow to man’s heart and ego. Johnny won’t accept it. So, he does what any man who loves his wife does. Goes chasing after her. Make her love him again. But his wife has greatly changed. Tessa has redefined herself. She won’t let others dictate her lifestyle. She has worked on being independent. She doesn’t want her husband to love her because she needs his help. Little does she know how much he loves her…and it has nothing to do with just protecting her from the world…

Close to Home shows the reality of life. Marriage isn’t always a fairy tale. Communication issues were apparent in this fictional piece as they really are in real life. Husbands not understanding women’s ways…their bafflement makes me laugh. Especially Johnny admitting he had no idea what his wife wanted back then and even now…I enjoyed reading this tale from both characters’ point of view. It wasn’t told by their view, yet Lily Everett mastered it in a way that I got to see, hear, and understand from both Johnny’s and Tessa’s sides. Overall, this romance was engaging, exciting, and super sweet. The romance is beautiful. I highly recommend it to all. 

Review: Home at Last

Synopsis:

Home is where the heart is…

In Lily Everett’s Home at Last, Marcus Beckett left Sanctuary Island after his mother’s funeral, and he hasn’t been back since. Until now. Needing a change from the high-risk, high-stakes life of a bodyguard, Marcus makes a solitary life for himself running the neighborhood bar in his hometown. His only mistake? Seducing and then dumping the town’s sweetheart, Quinn Harper. Marcus knows he did the right thing—a good girl like Quinn has no business with a broken man like him. But now no one will come to his bar, and he’s watching his last chance at a peaceful life go up in smoke. So when Quinn proposes a fake four-week courtship, he can’t refuse…even though he knows it’s a bad idea.

It’s a romantic charade that will buy Quinn time to distract her mother and father from their own marital problems—and will help Marcus welcome back some paying customers besides. But what begins as an engagement of convenience slowly transforms into a deeper connection, one that heals both of their hearts. . .and ignites the simmering passion between them. Could it be that pretending to be together is just what Quinn and Marcus needed to give their real love a second chance?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Home at Last by Lily Everett is a fascinating tale. The emotional journey inside is what really stands out to me. A young man’s pain. A past that has held him hostage even now. Then, there’s one woman who makes him want more in life. But he’s too sacred. Life is complicated, messy, and hard. He wants her to have the best. But what he doesn’t know is that he’s not only pushing her away forever but the town people as well. They love her. In their eyes, he’s the bad guy. Unless he changes…

Home at Last is beautifully written. Engaging, sweet, and knocks readers off their chairs into the to story. Never a dull moment. The intensity is shocking but good. I can feel the characters emotions coming off the pages. Their chemistry is there. But one chooses to ignore it. That only sends them both down a lonely miserable road. Unless fate intervenes…both will be unhappy. Lily Everett has once more sent me on an unforgettable journey. A chance for love. Second chances. A happily ever after is in the air. Only time will tell, if it will happen. I loved characters. A broken man and a strong hearted woman. The plot is exciting. The other characters only add to it. Highly entertaining and suspenseful. When they do open up…readers will fall deeeply in love with this book as much as I did. I can’t get enough of Lily Everett’s novels. She has talent in creating the perfect worlds where her characters feel so real. Overall, I highly recommend Home at Last to readers worldwide. 

Review: A Path Less Traveled

Synopsis:

From this bestselling small town series comes a heart-tugging love story about a single mom, her traumatized little boy, and the new attorney in town who longs to rescue and protect them.

A recently-widowed single mom is tired of being rescued. Though surrounded by friends and family, Trish is determined to blaze a path for herself and her daddy-starved little boy without outside help. Unfortunately, her attempts to run a small town bride business just doesn’t pay the piles of bills. Though the new attorney in town seems interested in both her and little Bo, the timing is all wrong. Will her current life circumstances mean leaving the hometown she loves?

When a world-weary attorney starts a new law practice in Miller’s Creek, he’s prepared for business challenges, but not for falling in love–especially with a woman and her son whose tragic life circumstances are heartbreaking. Can the new attorney romance Trish and get through the wall of stubborn hurt encasing her heart? Will Trish be forced to leave Miller’s Creek? And will they both learn to trust the Lord to take a path less traveled?
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

A Path Less Traveled by Cathy Bryant is amazing. It shows the human heart at its rawest moments. Trust, faith and love. Three of the toughest things to learn and earn from someone. For some, it’s easy to give. Others it’s much harder. Here, I got to watch a woman struggle with her trust issues. But with time, patience, and friends she was able to move forward to a happily ever after.

Cathy Bryant’s novel is a bestseller. I instantly understood why. After reading her women’s fiction title…I fell in love. Trisha is a a single mother. Her ability to trust is little to nothing. Her life was a huge mess. Until the day, a man walked into it. From that moment onward things got more interesting. However, Torah held the power to move forward or to stay backwards. Choices…life is full of them. Sometimes we need to jump in and risk our hearts. If we don’t try, we will never know what would have been. A Path Less Traveled was entertaining, believable, and well-written.  Anyone can easily relate to Trish and her issues. I found the book inspiring, sweet, and powerful. The messages were clear. Overall, I highly recommend this read to readers everywhere.

Review: Death by Roses

Synopsis:

Death by Roses is an outrageous, laugh-out-loud, exploration of life and love before and after death. Leading us on a journey full of shocking revelations, eccentric characters, and perhaps even enlightenment, Vivian Probst is a master of her craft. Death by Roses mixes just the right blend of irreverence, ingenuity, and heart-felt sincerity in a touching story of life and relationships as the universe’s sense of humor unfolds.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Death by Roses is a hilarious yet heartbreaking story. Vivian R. Probst is indeed one talented writer. She had my hooked. I was both laughing and crying all the way. Excellent characterization and visually engaging. The main characters, Mae Rose and Mary Lee are two women who have been given another chance to make things right. Mae Rose died on a toilet. She is funny, sweet, and a meddler. She loves putting herself into other’s business. Then there’s the woman, Mary Lee. A dying woman who is struggling with her career. Mae Rose is sent back to earth and has to share Mary Lee’s body. This is crazy, entertaining, and eccentric. 

Death by Roses is a great read. The title is a fit for this tale. Both female characters will keep readers in suspense as they go about fixing other people’s lives as well as their own. The writing was clear and easy to read. I had no trouble following the characters as the book progressed. My curiosity Rose with every page. I loved Mae Rose. Her husband is another fascinating character. Their marriage was real and believable. I wanted to hug Art. I felt so sorry that he had ‘to let his wife go and move on’. Letting go is tough. Missing loved ones never gets easy. Even with their blessing. Love may just be on the horizon for Art in the future…and as for the two lady characters they may just be successful enough to get more assignments. I really enjoyed reading this book. I can’t wait to read more by Vivian R. Probst. Overall, I highly recommend her novel to readers worldwide. 

Review: Did I Mention I Miss You?

 

Synopsis:

It’s been a year since Eden last spoke to Tyler. After his sudden departure, she left for Chicago for college and found a new boyfriend—someone who (hopefully) won’t run when things get tough, like Tyler did. But as school breaks up for the summer, she heads back to Los Angeles. And she’s not the only one with that idea…

Despite their break-up, Tyler’s determined to rekindle what they once had. He’s restarted his life and he wants her in it. Eden’s not sure where to begin in finally forgiving him. But when a tragedy draws them together, Eden must search her heart and decide if Tyler is worth the risk once and for all.

In Did I Mention I Miss You?, the explosive finale to Wattpad sensation Estelle Maskame’s DIMILY trilogy: three unforgettable summers of secrets, heartbreak, and forbidden romance.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Did I Mention I Miss You? by Estelle Maskame is well-written and a deeply emotional read. I would recommend this book for those 18 and above…due to adult content. I would not want any fourteen-year-old reading this tale. Which, it says it’s suited for…other than that, this was a superb novel. The emotions coming forth from the scenes and the feelings from the characters were realistic. I can see them acting the way they did. Both main characters grew up…and changed into happy individuals. Their lives were so full of angry,  destruction, and troubles that it was nice to see things work out…eventually. There are a lot of major issues mentioned within this one title. Drugs, alcohol, sex…and step-siblings by marriage. I didn’t like the fact that family members could be in a romantic relationship, but they weren’t family by blood. It just felt so weird reading about it. But it was about two teens falling in love and struggling to make things right. I felt sympathy for both of them. Almost felt like the Romeo and Juliet tale in many ways…Estelle Maskame did an excellent job in portraying her characters as real life people. I thought it was great how she took something that happens and shows how it could work out in the end. There were still some issues to work through among the cast of characters but for the most part, I think the ending was perfect. I thought this novel was highly engaging and I recommend to readers. 

Review: Love Bears All Things

 

Synopsis:

Could God be o­ffering Charlotte a second chance at true love?

Charlo­tte Dolinsky needs time to recover after breaking up with her boyfriend, Ryan. But when a surprise visitor shows up on her doorstep in Texas, she’s forced to put aside her own worries to help her Amish friends in Lancaster County. Soon she is entangled in a web of deception—and this time, she isn’t the only one keeping secrets.

Daniel Byler struggles each day in his Amish community to heal from his fiancée’s betrayal. When he discovers that a member of his family is in danger of being shunned, his pain turns to fear. His only way to help is by partnering with Charlo­tte, a woman he barely knows who has already deceived them all before.

Charlo­tte begins building a friendship with Daniel that she’ll need to lean on when more surprises surface from her past, and she once again finds herself torn between two worlds. Will Charlotte’s friends in the Amish community be able to show her the power of redemption and lead her home? And can she help young Jacob realize that God offers second chances at happiness when she isn’t even sure herself?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Love Bears All Things by Beth Wiseman is an Amish Secrets Novel. Beth Wiseman’s novels and short stories are amazing. Heartwarming and addictive. This novel was sweet and beautifully told.  I found myself instantly lost, within its plot. The story introduces several characters. The first is Charlotte Dolinsky. She had a breakup with her boyfriend and her mom is hard to handle at times. She has secrets that she kept from someone but secrets have a way of revealing themselves sooner than later. Then there’s Daniel Byler. He feels betrayed and hurt. God soon sends him another obstacle. A family member on a dark path who is close to losing all care about him. Jacob is young has to find his path soon. These three characters are all needing a second chance and a chance at redemption. Friendship, loyalty, trust and a blossoming love are all themes inside this stunning read. I loved following the characters. Their dilemmas and faith were inspiring. When one is in need of help, others come in quick. The strong sense of community was apparent inside of Love Bears All Things. Beth Wisemans has masterfully shown readers how love can conquer all things. There were times, I wasn’t sure what would happen next but Beth Wiseman kept me intrigued with every page. A great emotional journey that softens a heart fast and leads to more reading…that what Love Bears All Things did to me. I was hooked. Suspenseful and unpredictable, I highly recommend this new novel to all.

 

Review: One Last Dance

 

Synopsis:

Marco Anissi comes out of a comma, days after his car slams into a light pole—the same pole he had crashed into exactly ten years ago, killing his fiancé, Susan. Coincidence? Not to him. Her spirit has reached out to him in a way he would understand. If it had happened on a different date, in a different place he would have missed it entirely. With the help of Susan’s mother, Marco learns that a woman named Julia Tinsley had received her daughter’s heart. She lives in Tucson where she works as a dance teacher. Obsessed with the idea of reconnecting with Susan’s spirit, Marco travels to Tucson. But he can’t just walk up to Julia and introduce himself. What would she think—a complete stranger wanting to meet her? He signs up for lessons, hoping to develop a relationship. Now, Marco must make a decision: tell the truth about himself and risk losing Julia with whom he’s falling in love, or remain silent and enjoy his new life with her.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

One Last Dance by Ernesto Patino is an inspirational romance story. One that will tug at readers’ hearts. I definitely felt the pull on my own heart. The emotions that flew through me were sadness, loss, grief, hope, and love. I was amazed at the survival and second chances that occurred in the tale.

Ernesto Patino wrote a beautifully woven story that I won’t ever forget. The character’s loss and grief were realistic. It was easy for me to connect with him on those levels. It’s never easy to lose someone we loved. As fate would have it, Marco Anissi, ends up in a coma from crashing into the same spot that he crashed into before. Except the first time, ended up killing his fiance. The second time, fate only put him into a deep sleep. After waking up from his coma, Marco learns that his fiance’s heart lives in another woman. This propels the man to find the woman and meet her. A part of his fiance still lives and he wants to be there to be near the heart of his fiance’s. The novel, is deeply engaging, fast-paced and absolutely brilliant. I couldn’t stop reading it. Maybe…Marco can find peace and love once more…Overall, I highly recommend One Last Dance to all.

 

Review: Waking Up in Vegas

 

Synopsis:

When what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay there…

It was supposed to be a wild weekend spent celebrating her best friend. But Kiera didn’t count on running into him. He was an annoying blast from her past, hell-bent on pushing all of her buttons. But when sparks begin to fly, she starts to question everything she thought she knew about this man and herself.

Business. It was always about business. When Andrew travels to Las Vegas for a meeting, he never counted on her. Some things never changed and it seemed like Kiera was still stuck in the past. But as things heat up, he starts finding ways to mix business with pleasure. And after an amazing weekend, he needs to find a way to convince the feisty red head that not everything needs to stay in Vegas.

Can Kiera and Andrew overcome the ghosts from their past in order to find a future together or will they bet on love and lose everything?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Waking Up in Vegas by Sarah King is hot, exciting, and addictive. Talk about sensual, funny, and romantic…Sarah King has brilliantly lured me into her amazing world of fiction. Two characters…both are bold and sexy in their own way. A past of heartbreak may be the one thing stopping a woman from having her second chance at love. The reason why Andrew broke up with Kiera is unknown until the writer let’s readers inside the story. Their past and their present attraction, heat, and chemistry is enough to burn the night away. What turned out to be a week of girls bonding and having soon, turns into a week of hot sex, fun, and an emotional journey that Kiera isn’t sure she wants. But Andrew won’t stop and won’t give up on her…

Waking Up in Vegas is everything I thought it would be plus more. Sarah King knows how to lay on the heat and how to entice her readers’ full attention. The characters alone can suck readers like myself into the plot and lead me feeling like the entire ride was real. Keira and Andrew’s romance past and present was realistic done in way that bonds readers to the overall tale. The emotions sweep readers up off their feet and head on into what lies next…hearts are definitely on the line and how it ends is something readers just have to find out on their own. We all have heard the saying what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…but with such a magnetic pull between Kiera and Andrew…I doubt the saying applies to them or does it? I absolutely loved reading this spicy romance and I look forward to reading more by Sarah King in the future. Overall, yes, I highly recommend this read to all.

Review: The Total Package

 

Synopsis:

The New York Times bestselling author of Big Girl Panties is back with a funny, sweet, and sizzling novel about love, redemption, and second chances.

Heartthrob star quarterback Tyson Palmer has it all: a million-dollar arm, a winning season and the promise of a Superbowl ring. But more importantly, football’s biggest star is the ultimate comeback kid. After an addiction to painkillers nearly derailed his career, Tyson got sober and went from zero to hero in the eyes of the public.

But one person remains unconvinced: Dani Carr, a sports commentator with high ratings and following of her own.

Dani can’t forgive Tyson’s transgressions or forget a single passionate night with him back in college. To make things worse, Tyson doesn’t realize that the bombshell with huge ratings is the cute co-ed whose heart he once broke.

But can a sports journalist trying to claw her way to the top and a quarterback who knows all about rock bottom make it to the Super Bowl without destroying each other? And what will happen when Tyson—riding high now that he’s revived his career—realizes he needs to make an even more important comeback with Dani? Can he use his million-dollar moves to get past her defenses—or will she sideline him for good?

Stephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl from Asbury Park and the New York Times bestselling author of Big Girl Panties and The Sweet Spot.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Total Package by Stephanie Evanovich is incredible. Hot, sweet, and messy. Readers will be blown away by the troubled hearts and drama of two former lovers. Each character has his and her own issues. But getting past them will be difficult especially when each is making their way higher in their perspective fields. Readers hearts will melt will with every page as they come closer to the last page. I am a huge fan of Stephanie Evanovich’s novels and I have to say she has brilliantly created another all time favorite masterpiece. One that readers will love and read over and over again.

The Total Package has it all… Sports, sexy football player, and a smart journalist. The combined package will give off enough heat to make readers blush behind the pages. Stephanie Evanovich introduces readers to a famous man who so happens to have a dark past but then quickly comes around and becomes a hero once again. Only will he be a hero in  a certain woman’s eyes that matter the most to him? It might or might not be too late for Tyson Palmer…but Dani Carr is a whole different story. They had shared a moment in time together and he destroyed her heart…now, Dani is a top name in the world of journalism and she might just make his life a misery of hell…unless he can make amends just as quickly as his recovery. Readers will be tossed into an exciting and heart-racing romance. Stephanie Evanovich never disappoints her readers. I loved every moment in following both characters as their story progressed. Overall, this is a sexy hot must read for all.

Review: Daughters of the Bride

 

Synopsis:

With Joy, Love, and a Little TrepidationCourtney, Sienna and Rachel Invite YouTo the Most Emotional Wedding of the Year…Their Mother’sCourtney~ The Misfit ~As the awkward one, Courtney Watson may not be as together as her sisters, but she excels at one thing—keeping secrets, including her white-hot affair with a sexy music producer. Planning Mom’s wedding exposes her startling hidden life, changing her family’s view of her—and how she views herself—forever.Sienna~ The Free Spirit ~When Sienna’s boyfriend proposes—in front of her mom and sisters, for crying out loud—he takes her by surprise. She already has two broken engagements under her belt. Should she say “I do” even if she’s not sure she does?Rachel~ The Cynic ~Rachel thought love would last forever…right up until her divorce. As Mom’s wedding day draws near and her ex, begs for a second chance, she’s forced to acknowledge some uncomfortable truths about why her marriage failed, and decide if she’ll let pride stand in the way of her own happily ever after.A must-read for anyone who has survived the wedding of a sister, a mother, a daughter—as told by #1 New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Susan Mallery!

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Susan Mallery has done it once again! She has beautifully created another novel that is heart melting, exciting, and unforgettable. The characters instantly stand out to readers. The way Susan Mallery has developed her characters is astonishing. They feel so real and they appear more 3 dimensional rather than just words on a page. Readers will feel their hearts pounding loudly as the race to read this new title.  Daughters of the Bride by Susan Mallery has it all, secrets, suspense, and the hot romance.

Susan Mallery’s novels are a must read. Her latest novel, Daughters of the Bride, is definitely one reader don’t want to miss. Three young women have lives of their own and when it comes to their mother’s wedding…it all starts to come unraveling. A misfit, a free spirit, and a cynic make for an interesting group of sisters that will entice readers on every page. Uncertainty, surprises, and forgiveness are tightly woven into this intriguing story. From an affair to a surprise engagement to second chances…Susan Mallery has covered it all. Readers will not know what to expect until it happens. Every woman will fall in love with this delightful read. The daughters of the bride will have a lot to juggle as well as learn by the time their mother marries. Will they find their happing endings or will they find themselves feeling miserable forever? I am a huge of Susan Mallery’s novels but this one tops them all. I loved reading this cast of characters and following them on their journeys. Readers won’t be able to stop reading this book. Overall, I highly recommend Daughters of the Bride to readers worldwide.

Review: The Second Chance Shoe Shop

 

Synopsis:

All Riley Flynn wants is to meet someone who makes her happy. But attracting the right kind of man is not easy, and with her heart still hurting from her last break-up, Riley believes she’ll never find love again.

A year ago, Sadie Stewart’s whole world was shattered when her husband, Ross, died. She has struggled to keep herself together for the sake of their young daughter, but with the anniversary of his death approaching, Sadie finds herself overwhelmed by grief.

Sadie and Riley work at Chandlers shoe shop, in the charming town of Hedworth. But when Chandlers is threatened with closure, the friends are confronted with the loss of not only their jobs but also their support network – the glue that holds them together when they are close to breaking.

As they put together a plan to save their beloved shop, Sadie realizes that she might just be learning to live again. Could it be that new beginnings are just around the corner? The campaign also finds Riley unexpectedly crossing paths with the charming photographer, Ethan. Maybe her second chance at love is right under her feet …

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Second Chance Shoe Shop by Marcie Steele is one adventure readers will definitely enjoy. A realistic telling of how life operates even for those who start off with everything and end up with nothing…Friendships that bond and form, at work that keep the characters together like one big family. I loved how the romances inside this brilliantly well-written tale kept me guessing and made it feel real. I can definitely see everything in the book happening to any human being. Sometimes it takes one tragedy to unite us all to pull through all of our tragedies. One person’s help may lead to another…and another. Soon the impossible starts to look a little less scary…but there’s still a long way to go yet. Marcie Steele has masterfully brought the reality of life into a highly entertaining read for all. There are both inner and outer struggles for each of the characters, even the bad guy changes in the end…and the sparks are flying high on every page. Readers won’t be able to get enough of this title nor of Marcie Steele’s characters. I loved reading The Second Chance Shoe Shop and hope that there is another book featuring the same cast of characters. Once you pick up this read, you won’t be able to stop reading. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers worldwide.

 

Review: Draw Me Close

Synopsis:

YOU NEED A GOOD FOUNDATION
Lindsey Morales is a decorating genius with a natural flair for design and an eye for a bargain. As a contributor to a popular lifestyle blog, she can take anything from trash to treasure-except for her own life. Burned once, and badly, she’s more than twice shy, especially when it comes to the breathtaking builder who broke her heart…

BEFORE YOU CAN BUILD HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Architect Derek Walsh has made a name for himself designing sleekly modern buildings, but when renovating a hundred-year-old farmhouse gives him the chance to see Lindsey again, he jumps at it. Still dreaming about her after eight long years apart, he’ll do anything to prove that he’s serious about spending the future with her. Can he convince sassy, stubborn Lindsey that they can DIY their own happy ending?

My Rating: 5 stars

My Review:

Draw Me Close is the first novel I have read by Nicole Michaels. Her story is filled with two amazing heroes that will melt te hearts of readers everywhere. A hot, intriguing and exciting adventure wait at the hands of readers. Nicole Michaels has beautifully woven a passionate yet sexy read. The characters are brilliantly well-developed and will charm anyone who follows their journey. Upon reading this romantic story, readers will see that one character is a decorator and the other an architect. This sounds like the perfect match; however, the plot goes much deeper and starts off with where the two were in the past. One wanting to settling down and the other wasn’t ready. Readers will be drawn instantly to this heartmelting and perfect novel.

Inside of Nicole Michaels’ novel, Draw Me Close, readers will be wondering if the couple will finally get together or not.  Love is strong and never fades even with time and distance.  Derek Walsh gave up the best thing to ever happen to him, Lindsey Morales. She wanted to start a home and family with Derek. However, Derek wanted nothing more than to build up is career not settle down. That left them separated. Now, after several years they are brought back together. Working side-by-side on an old farm house. Feelings start to rise once more and Derek is willing to gamble everything to win Lindsey back. But the question is will he? I absolutely loved reading this latest novel by Nicole Michaels, and I look forward to reading more of her work. Overall, I highly recommend this title to readers everywhere.

Review: A Drop in the Ocean

Synopsis:

On her 49th birthday, Anna Fergusson, Boston neuroscientist and dedicated introvert, arrives at an unwanted crossroads when the funding for her research lab is cut. With her confidence shattered and her future uncertain, on impulse she rents a cabin for a year on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. However Turtle Island, alive with sea birds and nesting Green turtles, is not the retreat she expected. Here she finds love―for the eccentric islanders who become her family; for Tom, the laid-back turtle whisperer; and for the turtles whose ancient mothering instincts move her to tears. But Anna finds that even on her idyllic drop in the ocean there is pain, and as the months fly past her dream for a new life is threatened by a darkness that challenges everything she has come to believe about the power of love. Evocative and thought-provoking, A Drop in the Ocean is a story about second chances and hard lessons learned in the gentlest of ways.

My Rating: 5 stars

My Review:

A Drop in the Ocean is a brilliantly well-written novel. One that will instantlly pull readers into its deepest depth. Jenni Ogden has beautifully woven a story that readers won’t forget. A story of one woman’s journey to life, love,  and loss. A Drop in the Ocean is a fictional world where readers will truly lose themselves inside its plot.

Jenni Ogden’s novel, A Drop in the Ocean, is te first of her novels that I have read. After reading this compelling story, I have fallen in love with Jenni Ogden’s work. A world depicting one very intelligent yet strong woman. Anna Ferguusson isloates herself inside of her work. Work that requires a lot of back backing old-fashioned research. It’s not until her big 49th birthday that she reads a letter that will forever change her life. The life and work that she has come to know and love is taken away, but still she hopes for a miracle. Soon, she finds herself on an island and discovers a lot more to life than just research. Readers will laugh and cry and want to hug Anna Fergusson as the scenes unfold. But that’s not all. Readers will be taken into the vivid imagery of the island and the turtles. A beautiful world indeed. Life throws us curveballs and here we see Anna struggle with the ones tossed her way. Jenni Ogden’s story is realistic and heart felt. A powerful read that I highly recommend to readers world wide.

Book Review: Forever This Time by Maggie McGinnis

Forever This Time by Maggie McGinnis is the kind of forever romance that will leave readers feeling good and begging for the next installment. I choose this novel because nothing is forever and my curiosity was exploding. Maggie has beautifully spun together a story that will lure readers deep into the romantic plot that gets exciting with every page.

Forever This Time is indeed just that. Two highschool sweethearts living the old cliché romance that we all see in movies. However, this one ends up surprising not only the guy that goes all out and proposes to a woman of his dreams, who has said yes, but to us readers as well. A girl who can’t wrap her mind around the love that her and her boyfriend have. It’s the kind that she’s always dreamed of and it’s happening. Now, after ten years away from each other and the pain of rejection, both are going through the Forever This Time moment again. Ethan wants to shut out his feelings for Josie but saying is harder than doing. Josie has come back and she has a lot on her plate. Her father has a stroke and may or may not recover, then there’s her mom, and now, the awkward moment of seeing Ethan again. Does he hate her? He should..

I highly recommend this brilliant cozy romance to all. This novel by Maggie McGinnis is fresh, bold, and charming. I loved every moment. Readers will leave the confines of their homes and travel deep into the shoes of Josie and Ethan. So much history, passion, pain, and a lot to learn before fate seals the deal. But will it be a happy Christmas or a sad one? Readers must grab a copy and read on to find out! I promise it’s worth reading. Overall, I rate Forever This Time a five out of five stars.

Second Chances Part 2

It has been a week since the school’s dance. I have been ignoring my friends, especially Kylie. I need to study to keep up with my classes. I still had a major project that needed to be done as well. But knowing that neither I nor Michael were going to come to a truce on what we should do together, I decided to attempt the project on my own.

The project was to find something important to people that has not yet been covered yet by the news. I found this project to be interesting until our English instructor assigned us partners. Michael wasn’t upset about us being paired together. But, I was. The man was a walking, talking, hunk who could make any girl agree to whatever he says just by looking at her with his pierce blue eyes, and handsome smile that makes me feel heat rising to my face every time he looks my way or catches my eye. I could not just look away or pretend to be reading deeply into a book. Because, I tried that once. And Michael had to point out the fact that I really wasn’t reading even when I said I was. The book was upside down and it was a textbook to make it even worse. He makes me feel so damn mad that I just want to smack that horrible grin on his face every time he catches me in these awkward situations.

I wanted to cover a story about an emerging author and how she went about breaking out as a bestseller in today’s market. Especially when most books are now digital. But, Michael argued saying that is only important to “us bookworms” such as myself. So, I finally did the unthinkable, and hit him or his rude unexpected comment. And what made it worse was that he didn’t know how badly I took his simple comment about bookworms. And he seemed genuinely hurt when he realized I was hurt by what he said. That made me feel things I couldn’t afford to feel. I had to pass this semester and score my financial aid for next semester. Michael was one distraction that I didn’t need right now. A distraction I didn’t want to think too much about either. He could easily crush my heart into a million pieces and I wouldn’t be able to survive having a man like Michael breaking my heart. I have been there and done that. Never again, was I going to put myself out on the line.

I was just typing up questions for my author interview in the college library when, Michael walked in. He was followed by a group of pretty girls giggling and sashing their way over to him. One girl in particular stuck out. Kylie. What is she doing around Michael? Wait, why did I care. Michael isn’t my guy. And I have been ignoring my best friend and roommate for a while now. She and Michael were laughing. And then Kylie wrapped her arm around Michael’s waist. No. I didn’t wait to see what happened next. I logged off and ran out before my eyes could see anymore. So much for getting any work done.
“Lora wait!” I heard Kylie shouting in the hall after me. But, I ignored her and kept up my pace.

“Lora it’s not what you think!” Kylie ran up to me finally catching up.

Looking at my best friend/ roommate, I just stood there waiting for her to hurry up and finish.

“Michael did me a favor and…”

I didn’t want to hear the rest.

“I don’t care what favor he did for you. I don’t care if you like Michael and he likes you.” I nearly shouted at her.

Why the hell would I care any-way? He just frustrates me in every way possible and lights me up like a Christmas tree on Christmas. Not that he knows that. Or I think he doesn’t. But, it doesn’t matter does it? Because, I have my studies to think about. My family already thinks I am pathetic and if I don’t succeed this semester, I will never live to survive the humiliation. And then lately, all I could ever think about is Michael.

Siting right next to me on my twin bed, Kylie just looks at me. “I mean it, when I say Michael and I are not together. He did me a favor. He helped talk to Luke for me.”

Luke was the guy that Kylie couldn’t stop talking about until Michael came here. But, Michael wasn’t interested in her and Luke was. “Why did he have to talk to Luke for you?”

I was now curious. Smiling, Kylie knew I had forgiven her and now was about to fill me in on what I missed out on. After two hours of catching up on all the things I missed, I finally managed to finish my interview questions for the author and sent them to her as soon as possible. Part one of my project was done. Now, all my other subjects. I had four quizzes, and two papers to write. Yep, college wasn’t complete without the dull tasks of homework piling up in your student box. I finally was able to go to sleep at 2 am, knowing full well that I needed to be up at 8 am for philosophy. We were going to have our first huge exam.

Second Chances Part 1

Chapter 1

Lora Wellington was just relieved that her scheduling for the next semester was all set. Now, all she needed was to stay on target. Pass all my classes. I can make it. Her cumulative GPA took a nose dive downward fast. Spiraling out of control. It wasn’t until last spring that she finally decided to come back to finish her college degree. After four years, and a poor cumulative GPA, Lora felt stressed. She had to do well. Her recent math course didn’t help her GPA any. It only made it worse. Dropping by another 10 points. Ten points worse! I am never going to make it. What was it that my best friends would always say? Take a deep breath and relax. Taking a huge breath, Lora closed her eyes and slowly relaxed..

Until the door slammed open with her roommate Kylie bouncing in with her golden blonde hair flowing this way and that behind her. Kylie had a way of bringing bright energy into any room that she walked in. Looking at Kylie, Lora pushed aside her worries. “You are so not going to believe this!”

“Believe what?”

“Oh come on Lora, didn’t you hear the talk of that new hottie on campus. The one that is both good at sports and academics?”
Seeing the look on Lora’s face, Kylie went on further. “You know the new biker/bad-ass guy working in the marketing department.”

“Oh, yeah. Michael something.” Obviously Kylie was hooked on this guy. All I knew was that the man was frustrating as hell. I was currently assigned a project with him. And let’s say is hasn’t gotten anywhere. He wants to things one way, and I want to go the other way.

“So, are you are two going to the dance tonight?”

“No, we’re not. And I told you I can’t go. I have to study to bring up my cumulative.”

Kylie just looks at me and pouts. She can get away with pouting with everyone one else but me. I have to bring my cumulative back up to get the financial aid to pay for next semester or else I can never return back as a student. And my whole family will know just how big o a fail-er I am. I can’t and won’t let them think that. I want to show them I can succeed. And going to that dance tonight was a bad idea.

Twenty minutes later Kylie had me dressed and downstairs at the party. I don’t know how she convinced a bunch of our friends to “convince” me to come out but here I am. Everyone seems to be having fun. Reminds me of my high school prom. I was the only girl that went that didn’t have a date nor the pretty dress to compliment the night. My grandpa had bought my corsage or me both my junior and senior prom dances. I was the girl that always stood watching everyone else having fun. I was just about to make my way out and back up to studying when a male voice called my name. It was hard not to know whose voice that belonged to. I turned around and there he was. Michael dressed up in a black tux looking damn good. But, there’s no way in hell I would ever admit it to him or anyone else for that matter. After glancing at him, I spun around once more about to head out again. When this time a man’s hand grabbed my arm and spun me back around, facing the bluest eyes I ever did see on any man. Eyes that any girl can get lost in.

“Lora, why are you so fast to leave, when you just arrived?
And where’s your date at?”

“He’s sick, and my friends convinced me that I must come down or else.”

That was only half the truth but, he wouldn’t know if I was lying or not.

“Oh my gosh, so you two are dancing together!” Shouted Kylie. Sometimes, I could hate her for saying the worst things when I didn’t want them said.

“I was informed that Lora’s date was sick.”

“Oh no! We practically had to drag her down here ourselves or else she would be up there stuck studying 24/7. ”
Thanks a lot Kylie! I wanted to shout at her.
Laughing, but not letting go of my arm, Michael was more than amused. Amused at my own expense. Damn him! He has no right to laugh. I really need to study!

“Excuse me but, I am leaving now. And I do have to study. So if, you will let go of my arm, Michael, I can then leave.”
Looking straight at me, Michael made me feel warm. My cheeks we blushing. I knew they had to be. I could feel them heating as thought they were on fire. I have never been so embarrassed.

“No, you may not. I would like to have a dance with you, Lora. Then you may leave if you still want too.”

“Fine! One dance and then I am going to leave.”

“As you say sweetie.”

“I am not your sweetie!”
He went silent at the comment. Finally, the man shuts up.

“No, you’re right about that.” And then we danced our one dance before I left for the night.

I never did put much thought into what exactly Michael’s body language meant from my comment. But, I had a feeling that it was only the beginning of my troubles.

New Novel

Coming Soon!

A novel telling how one young woman gives her heart out to a man, only to be betrayed by the sight of him with another woman. Meredith has since then worked her way up in life by building up her own bookstore. A place where locals love to come and read  books and and enjoy Meredith’s fresh coffee. It’s been two years since she saw Brian with Melissa in a way that will haunt her memories of him forever. From what she overheard, Melissa ended up pregnant with Brian’s child and he married her. Only to find out that the whole thing was a lie. Brian divorced Melissa and went his separate way.  He tried to apologize to Meredith everyday before his marriage to Melissa but she wouldn’t listen. Brian never drinks but when he was hanging out with the guys, Melissa slipped a little something into his drink and waited. She led Brain to the place she knew Meredith would come by and see her in action with Brian. Melissa had wanted Brian from the start but he pushed her aside for plain and ordinary girl like Meredith. So, she would do the one thing to break them both apart and get what she wanted.  It wasn’t until after the marriage that a girlfriend of Melissa’s told Brian what really happened and why. Melissa had not only destroyed what he had with Meredith but she seemed to have done similar things to have friends. He went and had papers filed for a divorce knowing that Melissa wasn’t pregnant at all with his child. It was all a rouse just to win him. But now, he’s more than determined to do whatever it takes to win back Meredith in his life. But first he must find a way to explain what really happened. Can he convince Meredith to give him a second chance at love? Or will Meredith not give the one man she loves the chance to win her back?

Find out in April what happens between these two! Coming soon to Amazon!

Great News!

Dear Viewers,

I have been writing a new adult romance novel. I have 63 pages, 4300 words, and 6 chapters so far. I have 1 week to submit my novel in for a chance to become published. I am also going to send in my novel to Carina UK, and Harper Impulse for a chance to become published.

I will be posting chapter 6 of my novel up in a bit. I have just a few more pages to add to it before posting for you all to read.

Sincerely,

Danielle 🙂

Chapter 5

Here is the next chapter of my new adult novel, please tell me what you think!

Chapter 5

Getting into Michael’s SUV, felt somewhat personal. My cheeks flushed instantly upon the thought. But, I had to force my thoughts aside. Michael and I were heading to the local animal shelter called, Dog Heaven. The owner of Dog heaven was now in his eighties. And had younger people working at the shelter to help me him take care of the many homeless dogs. The dogs were either strays left in the wilderness by their owners or were tortured by their previous owners. And here at Dog Heaven, Mr. Brown, the owner of the business gave the dogs treatment, food, and a home. I admired the elderly man who has spent his entire life working to save each and every one of these dogs. My heart melted at the thought.  Michael and I headed out and into the dog pen.

“So, how many dogs are held in here?” Michael asked a female worker who was kind enough to give us a tour around with courtesy of the owner.

“We have currently fifty dogs in here, now.”

“And how many were abused and how many are strays?” I asked not missing a beat.

“Of the fifty dogs we have twenty-five that were abused. And out of that twenty-five, fifthteen are puppies.”

Michael and I just looked at each other and silently continued following our guide.

Once we were about to head into the abused dog section. We overheard shouting and a dog’s cries. The sound made my heart sink. Fear flooded my thoughts. The next thing I knew both Michael and the woman were hot on my trail as I ran towards the shouting.

“Bad, bad dog! Good for nothing! You won’t be getting any food today, you ugly mutt!” And then a black small dog was kicked. A high scream escaped my lips.

“No! Stop!”

Just as I was about to push the man down, he took off for the exit. Michael, chased after him.  I leaned down towards the black dog. It was just a puppy. So thin, it looked as if it hasn’t had any food at all.  I tried to go near the puppy but it cringed under my touch. I wanted to beat the hell out of the bastard that kicked this poor puppy. I wanted to kick the man for what he just did. I scooped up the puppy into my arms.

“Omg, I am so sorry you had to witness that. We never had this happen before. I am going to call the owner and then the police. Be right back.”

Just as the woman let me alone holding the puppy. I whispered soft soothing words to the puppy. I vowed to keep the puppy safe. Michael came back. He shook his head. I knew the man had gotten away. Tears spilled down my cheeks. Kissing the puppy’s head.

Michael wrapped his arms gently around me. Holding both me and the puppy. As though to soothe us both.

The woman came back, and the police were with her. The police asked both Michael and I questions as to what we saw. After that, I told the woman I was going to keep the puppy.

“You will need to fill out forms and pay a small fee before you can take the puppy home with you.”

I looked up at her.

“I am sorry, really sorry, just the policy we have. Otherwise, I say yes, you can just go, especially after what just happened.”

Michael looked at me. Tears were still pouring down. I couldn’t let go of the puppy. Not after what I just saw. What if the man came back to finish the puppy?

“I will keep the puppy.”

 Michael told the woman. I felt relieved. Because, I knew I couldn’t keep the puppy in my dorm. It just wasn’t allowed. And I was also relieved to know that the puppy wouldn’t be staying here anymore. The woman handed Michael the papers to sign. Heading back into his SUV, I sat there holding the puppy.

“Thank you, Michael.”

“Hey, it will be okay. I will take of the dog. The police are going to be searching for the bastard, and mean while we are going to stop by the vet.”

I looked up and nodded.  After dropping off the puppy at the vet and Michael having arranged for the vet to call him when to pick up the puppy after it’s been looked at and helped for any injures, we headed back to college. Michael didn’t say anything the whole way there. But he did take hold of my hand and held it in his the entire way back.