Book Review: Temptation (Bad Angels) by Inara Scott

Temptation is the second stand alone in the Bad Angels series by Inara Scott. As close friends and coworkers, attorney Zoe Riva and tech genius Connor Ashton know they can never get involved. Never. Ever. Until a scooter accident lands Zoe in Connor's arms—and his overnight custody—and she starts to see a man she's never seen before. With her career and her heart on the line, Zoe can't afford to take any chances. But when combustible chemistry takes over, even the smartest people in the room can make the biggest of mistakes.

Temptation is a friends to lovers romance that had me hooked from the start. I was in a bit of a reading slump- where nothing was really making me eager to get back to reading after having to put the book down for a moment, and this book broke that streak. Zoe is a strong, successful, and professional woman just trying to get ahead in a field that is still dominated by deals made in bars and over sports. Connor is a smart guy that is more than a little shy and socially awkward. A chance encounter has them each pondering crossing the border of friendship into something more- but they each have emotional scars and professional qualms about taking the next step- until they cross the line anyway. I loved the sass and straightforwardness of Zoe, and Connor's sweet nature. The secondary characters, particularly Connor's mother and her friends, were great fun while the couple's mutual friends added some honest talk and advice to even things out. I honestly found myself routing for our couple from the very beginning- even when their efforts to seem nonchalaunt had me face palming. The read hit all the sweet spots, heart, heat, and humor and left me grinning one the last page. I just might be going back to read the first book in the series, but I will definitely be putting Scott's name of my list of authors to watch for. 

Temptation is a contemporary romance with strong characters and a nearly perfect balance of heat, heart, and humor.

Book Review: Take It Off the Menu (Mile High Matched) by Christina Hovland

Take It Off the Menu is the third book in the Mile High Matched series by Christina Hovland. I have not read the previous books, but this book read well as a stand alone. 

Marlee Medford just got dumped. Yes, things have become ho-hum in her longtime relationship, but she was two days away from walking down the aisle with the man she thought was her forever when he called it off.  Marlee needs to regain control of her life, and a weekend away with her friends is a solid first step. One of Denver’s best up-and-coming chefs, perpetual bachelor Eli Howard, isn’t into serious relationships—especially the kind that ends in marriage. Feeling oddly protective of the jilted bride—his little sister’s best friend—his weekend plans now involve a trip to Sin City with her group of friends. But it looks like he had a bit too much fun in Vegas when he wakes up married, wedding night included. Marlee’s attempts at getting her life back together are failing miserably. Her ex-fiancé is taking the house, her chihuahua is intent on a love affair with Eli’s sneakers, and she’s now accidentally hitched to the guy who can't even say the word marriage. With their quickie annulment denied, Eli and Marlee just have to hang tight until the divorce goes through. It’s just a little divorce amongst friends, what’s the worst that could happen? 

Take It Off the Menu is a contemporary romance with a lot going on. There is the best friend's brother aspect, the afraid of commitment element, and the interfering parents and sucky ex bit. However, the book managed to balance all of these elements with humor. I loved the regular intervals of a horny chihuahua and the wonderful circle of friends that both Eli and Marlee have helping them through every hurdle. Marlee is a sweetheart with a soft heart that often falls into doing whatever other expect from her- I would have liked to see a bit more backbone from her, but I think that if she had stood up for herself more she would not have ended up in the situation that brought this all about. Eli is a sweet and strong guy- he is always there to help everyone else but has trouble accepting help from anyone else. That is something I could relate to- and I was glad to see that he had to come to terms with that as well as his commitment issues. There were times when I thought there was much more to his commitment issue than readers were told- but that might have just been me. The secondary characters, and dog, stole the show for me. I loved the extended circle of friends and family even more than the rest. I think I want a story just about Babushka! As a whole I really enjoyed the read.

Take It Off the Menu is a romance that has a good balance of heart and humor. I enjoyed the read and will be reading more from the author.

Book Review: Whisked Away (Paradise Bay) by Melanie Summers

Whisked Away is the second book in the Paradise Bay series by Melanie Summers. I did not read the first book in the series and think they can each stand on their own.

At twenty-seven years old, Emma Banks has big plans for her life. After graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, she's ready to take her place as head chef at one of her family’s resort restaurants. But upon arrival at Paradise Bay, she’s shuffled off to the resort’s new private island getaway, where she’ll be stuck catering to the rich and shameless. Her first assignment is to serve Pierce Davenport, an infuriatingly arrogant writer with a palate that’s about as adventurous as a plain boiled potato.Pierce Davenport is living every author’s dream—his critically-acclaimed Clash of Crowns books have been turned into one of the world’s most-watched television series. The only problem is, he has no idea how to end the epic fantasy tale. After two long years, his fans are turning on him, his publisher is panicking, and the network executives have announced they’re hiring a team of scriptwriters to finish (a.k.a. ruin) his legacy for him.In dire need of solitude, he escapes to the Island of Eden for two distraction-free months so he can pull off the impossible—write an entire novel from start to finish. All he wants is peace and quiet, but when disaster strikes, he’s forced to rely on irritating-but-beautiful Emma to deliver more than just three meals a day. Putting Pierce and Emma together is like combining orange juice and toothpaste. Will their differences be their ruin or will they be the secret ingredient to each other’s success?

Whisked Away is a romance that I loved the humor of. The awkwardness, self awareness, and occasional klutziness were my favorite moments of the book. Emma wants to be a head chef, but she wants to earn it. Pierce is an author that has a hard time with the right words in real life- even though he gets it right on paper. he coming together of our couple is well done, and I thought their conflicts were well chosen. I did start to lose interest waiting for the couple to find their way to a happy ending, but there were some really good interactions along the way. I liked the characters, I greatly enjoyed some of the banter and family drama/helping. I liked some of the secondary characters and the settings. I did think that the vague pop culture references- with some changes- were a little over done and result in the story not aging well. Granted some of the references were slight enough that something resent will fit the bill, but I just thought there was too much of it. However, I never really got lost in the book or over eager to read the previous or next book. It was good, an enjoyable weekend read, but it was not a stand out for me.  

Whisked Away is a contemporary romance with a nice blend of humor and moments that make you want to kick the characters. I am glad I read it.

Book Review: Wrangling His Best Friend's Sister (Beckett Brothers) by Leslie North

Wrangling His Best Friend's Sister is the first book in the Beckett Brothers series by Leslie North.  Ava Pearson needs a job—yesterday. After her husband's death, her life in the city became impossible, and a crisis with her young son caused her to lose her job as a reporter. Now Ava is living in her childhood home again, without prospects, but not without hope. If she can just get enough money to tide her over while she pitches an article to an even better big-city paper, Ava feels she can get back on track. The only problem is…what jobs are available in her one-horse town? Branson Beckett is successful by most measures of the word. He's the owner of a profitable ranch on the brink of expansion and is now looking for a few good ranch hands to help him out. However, he wasn't thinking of his best friend's little sister when it came to hard labor. No, he'd thought of her in other hard situations, but they usually involved the dark of night and his great big bed. Dreams that had no place in reality. But Ava is convincing. She needs to get out of her parents' house, and Branson needs her help interviewing his ranch hands. It's a win-win. He'll fix his personnel problem, and she'll write an article about it. As personnel issues lead to personal pleasure between them, Ava's big city dream drifts away, replaced by visions of a family in the country. In the end, Branson will have to face tough truths about himself, his ranch, and his relationship. And if he fails to see the light, he's going to lose the love of his life. 

Wrangling His Best Friend's Sister is a multi trope romance. There are bits of the cowboy, single parent, small town, and friend's sibling tropes but they all seem to blend together nicely without any one of them feeling overplayed or less than organic in the story. I liked Ava- she is a strong and practical woman who puts her son first but is not ready to stop doing what she loves, what she is good at. I am a little less enamored of Bran. He is a nice guy, determined to do the right thing and run his ranch the way his father would have. However, the biggest conflict in the book is the same reason I wanted to kick him. He is emotionally stunted and walled off. Yes, many heroes in romance start off this way or act this way because of trauma- but apparently he has been like this for years. Alright, fine, I can understand it to a certain degree- but I get so bothered by a story in which it is only the realization that they love a woman- or the possibility of losing them- that 'fixes' the guy. There were enough other things in the story that could have triggered the realization. However, that is a personal peeve of mine, and might not be as frustrating to other readers, especially since that was my biggest issue with the book. It made it hard for me to connect with Bran's character though. I did like the secondary characters- which made the book more entertaining to read.

Wrangling His Best Friend's Sister is a good contemporary romance, with many well written elements. However I just did not become fully invested in the story. 

Book Review: I've Got You, Babe (Must Love Babies) by Lynnette Austin

I've Got You, Babe is the second book in the Must Love Babies series by Lynnette Austin. I did read the first book in the series, but each book can easily be read as a stand alone.

Former Marine Tucker Wylder wants nothing more than to work with his brothers in their vintage car restoration business and be left alone with his nightmares and regrets. The last thing he needs is to take on someone else’s troubles. Then Elisa Danvers and her young daughter arrive in Misty Bottoms, Georgia. Elisa has reached the end of the line—flat broke, engine trouble, sick in body and spirit. Tucker steps up to the rescue and finds himself reluctantly taking care of a feisty preschooler and her independent mother, who doesn’t seem to want his help. And Tucker isn’t sure he’s ready for the way precocious little Daisy and headstrong, beautiful Elisa herself capture first his bachelor household and finally his carefully guarded heart.

I've Got You, Babe is a sweet contemporary romance with a great deal of heart. Tucker is dealing with survivor's guilt and other after effects of his time in the military. He is trying to hold it all together for his family but everything is weighing on him more than he can admit. Elisa has been struggling all her life, more than ever since losing her job threw one more curveball her way. I love her fierce independence and willingness to do whatever it takes to take care of her daughter. When the chaos of Elisa's life collides with Tucker's forced order the result is thawing and growing trust on both sides. I loves the slow, sweet burm between the two- and how important actual communication and trust is in the story. My heart melted every time Tucker showed his softer side toward Daisy. I also liked the way his emotional wounds and struggles were handled- I thought his internalizing of it and reluctance to share were very realistic. Tucker and Elisa faced huge hurdle on their own, and together. I loved the secondary characters and the way everything was handled for all of their issues. I will admit though that my interest started to waiver after the half way mark in the book, and I cannot put my finger on why. I still wanted to know how everything comes together and how Tucker and Elisa get their happy ending but it was a lot easier to put the book down to cook dinner or go to bed after a certain point. I still enjoyed the read, and I am still glad I read it, but I was not fully engaged through the entire read.

I've Got You, Babe is a sweet romance and I think fans of the author will certainly want to read it. I fully plan on continuing to read the author's work.

Book Review: Fast (Burns Brothers) by Gillian Archer

Fast by Gillian Archer is the second book in the Burns Brother world. I did not read the first book, but this book can be read as a stand alone.

Family means everything to this tattooed bad boy--good thing since he's about to start his own. I wanted her the first time I laid eyes on her. But what starts as a fun time, quickly gets serious when the stick turns pink a month later. My life is already chaos with my recently paroled father popping up and the usual drama at the family business building custom motorcycles. Plus our reality show just got picked up for a full season. But it really hits the fan when I discover that the new woman in my life is the daughter of the President of the West Coast Kings, the baddest motorcycle club in Sacramento--and our biggest client. Think he'll like being called Grandpa? Life just got hella complicated.

Fast is a contemporary romance that deals with some hard issues, but felt sweet and heartwarming.  Ryan is an alphamallow- all hard edges and tattoos on the outside but a softy at his core. On the surface Hope is sweetness and confidence, but she has a core of steel.  The compassion and care for others is something they shared, and something I loved to see expressed by each of them so differently. They each have huge father and family issues, but I loved the way they found comfort together and worked things out. The surprise baby was done very well- I liked how honest and realistic the complications of that were handled. The switching perspectives helped keep track of the worries and fears they each had, and the circumstances that made things more complicated. The heat is on high, but so is the danger and the sweet. I liked how well balanced the different elements were, and there were a few times that characters surprised me and took an unexpected path. I was never bored, and am looking forward to going back to read the first book and continuing to follow this series.

Fast has a nearly perfect balance of danger, sweet, and heat. It is a must read for fans of the author.

Book Review: The Best Friend Problem (Mile High Happiness) by Mariah Ankenman

The Best Friend Problem by Mariah Ankenman is the first book in the Mile High Happiness series. Prudence Carlson has been lucky in life. A fulfilling wedding-planning business run with her girlfriends in Colorado, plus the best guy friend ever in her firefighter bestie Finn. All that’s missing from it is a baby. Luckily, it’s the twenty-first century—Pru can take matters into her own hands. She doesn’t need to find true love to create the future love of her life. Except all this talk of babies and insemination and...Pru and Finn cross a line they never expected to. Sure, one night of passion won’t change their close friendship. Until Pru goes in for a fertility check-up to find… she’s already pregnant. As best friends, Pru and Finn have survived college, new jobs, and bad breakups, but can they survive crib shopping, birth classes, and late-night cravings? Especially when Finn has never considered himself even remotely Daddy material?

The Best Friend Problem takes the friends to lover trope and doubles down by adding a unique wanted but accidental pregnancy twist. It was an ambitious story to tackle, and I'll say that Ankenman did it beautifully.  I really enjoyed getting to know Pru and Finn- and seeing their journey through both perspectives. I could relate to Pru, at least with her reluctance to accept help, and understood her motivations and fears throughout the book. I liked Finn's openness and caring for others, and I knew they would figure it out once they admitted their own emotions. I also loved the secondary characters, not just Mo and Lilly, but Finn's coworkers and family to. I think the characters work was really the star of this story, the banter was fun and the characters supportive and real. I felt like this group of people are really liking in a Colorado town just waiting for me to visit and meet them. 

The Best Friend Problem is an engaging read that had me rooting for and wanting to shake the main characters at the same time. I look forward to reading more from Ankeman in the future.

Early Book Review: Handle With Care (Veteran Movers) Marie Harte

Handle With Care is the third book in the Veteran Movers series Marie Harte and is currently scheduled for release on August 27 2019. While each of her books can be enjoyed as a stand alone, some of the character connections and personalities shine more for returning readers- so I highly recommend reading as a series.

Evan Griffith has done a lot in his life: a stint in the Marine Corps, life as an overworked CPA, investing in his family-owned moving company. But none of that holds a candle to helping people move. On an unforgettable job, he’s involved in a female-on-female brawl, taken by a teenage conman, and falls in love at first sight with a woman holding a knife. Yeah, his life has gone down the rabbit hole for sure. Kenzie Sykes is doing her best to raise her brother, keep him out of jail, and deal with a broken heart that still hasn’t healed. So of course the sexiest man she’s ever seen has to catch her on an off day. She doesn’t have time for romance. He’s not asking. Until he is, and she finds herself saying yes. Both of them have loved and lost before, but if there’s one thing Evan knows, it’s that Semper Fidelis is more than a motto, and that real men love hard, and honest men love true.

Handle With Care is a contemporary romance that, as I expect from Harte, touches on real problems and heartbreak that our main characters need to work through. Evan has been through a lot, and he is still working towards finding balance in his life. Kenzie is still dealing with trust issue, money issues, and trying to keep her brother in check. I like that neither were looking for love- but despite their fears and fighting against it they both fell hard. I do think that at times I had to agree with Kenzie in that Evan was just too perfect- even his fears and missteps were endearing. I did empathize with Kenzie's fears and doubts- and might have reacted the same to her situation, maybe. The panic when things are just going too well, waiting for things to suddenly go wrong again, is something very relatable. I really enjoyed hearing about and seeing characters from the previous books, and seeing the continuing story of Smith finding his place. I really cannot wait to see where this all goes from here.

Handle With Care is another winner from Harte. While not my favorite of her books, I still loved it and look forward to reading more!

Early Book Review: The Aussie Next Door (Patterson's Bluff) by Stefanie London

The Aussie Next Door by Stefanie London is the first book in the Patterson's Bluff series. It is currently scheduled for release on August 27 2019. 

American Angie Donovan has never wanted much. When you grow up getting bounced from foster home to foster home, you learn not to become attached to anything, anyone, or any place. But it only took her two days to fall in love with Australia. With her visa clock ticking, surely she can fall in love with an Australian—and get hitched—in two months. Especially if he’s as hot and funny as her next-door neighbor. Jace Walters has never wanted much—except a bathroom he didn’t have to share. The last cookie all to himself. And solitude. But when you grow up in a family of seven, you can kiss those things goodbye. He’s finally living alone and working on his syndicated comic strip in privacy. Sure, his American neighbor is distractingly sexy and annoyingly nosy, but she’ll be gone in a few months. Except now she’s determined to find her perfect match by checking out every eligible male in the town, and her choices are even more distracting. So why does it suddenly feel like he—and his obnoxious tight-knit family, and even these two wayward dogs—could be exactly what she needs?

The Aussie Next Door takes two wonderful people, with their own trust issues, and makes them work for a happy ending. Angie has been through in her life and all she wants is love and to help others. She slaps on a happy face and acts like everything is perfect even when her world seems to be crumbling around her. Jace needs his routines, and is set in his ways. He does not believe that he can be loved and accepted as he is because of his past. They both are so worried about getting hurt or ruining things that they are the cause of the majority of their own issues. I enjoyed getting to know both the characters very much, and liked hpw Jace's autism was handled in a matter of fact and realistic way. I love that it is a slow burn, friends to more story- and that the small town and big family tropes are also used. All of the characters and the setting are so well described and real to me that I want to go visit and meet them all- if only the trip would not take so long. I loved Jace's family- and think that the introduction of the secondary characters was well done, leaving me wanting to know more about what might happen to them and how they might find their own happy ending, but not with cliff hangers or big questions to leave me in suspense. It was a good balance. 

The Aussie Next Door is a sweet contemporary romance with a realistic look at how we are sometimes our own biggest barriers when it comes to making relationships work. It is sweet, tackles some real issues, and offers a believable HEA.

Book Review: Off the Market (Texas BBQ Brothers) by Audrey Wick

Off the Market is the second book in the Texas BBQ Brothers series by Audrey Wick. I did not read the first book, but found I could enjoy it as a stand alone. Although returning readers will enjoy seeing characters return and develop further.

Quinn LaFayette is in her inaugural year as library special programs director of Last Stand, but when the kickoff performance for the children’s summer program goes terribly wrong, she has to save face as well as her job. She has a surprise advocate in Cole, whom she did her best to ignore in school. Seven years has only made Cole more appealing, but Quinn is determined to resist the sparks that fly between them because they are too different. Restaurant owner Cole Hutchinson is no bookworm, but thanks to his fast-thinking antics, he ends up saving the day at the library and earning Quinn’s praise in the process. He’s tempted to seek more, but he’s juggling plenty of female attention from gracing the June edition of Modern Texas magazine featuring barbeque. Cole’s not interested in revisiting a woman from his past, but there’s something about Quinn that he can’t quite ignore. Can Cole prove that opposites really do attract?

Off the Market is a good contemporary, small town romance. I enjoyed the characters, and found the situations and concerns that both Quinn and Cole had to be believable. I have worked in a small town library, and can attest to how politics do play a role in every penny the library gets, and how one or two loud voices can make things better or worse for all concerned. I liked the slow progression of the romance between the two, but found that a lot felt unmentioned or skipped over. Yes, the relationship grew slowly over the summer, but sometimes it felt like a week or two was just glossed over and readers just know that they hung out some during that time. It was sweet, and I liked the characters, but I just never connected with them beyond the issues they had outside their relationship. It was luke warm rather than hot between them, and I do not mean just because there is very little physical between them in the story. There just was not enough spark or drive between them for me, they were good for each other- but I wanted something a bit more from them.

Off the Market is a sweet romance with a good premise. For those looking for a small town contemporary romance that has more sweet than heat. 

Early Book Review: The Nanny Rules by Melynda Price

The Nanny Rules by Melynda Price is currently scheduled for release on August 12 2019.  Since becoming a single father, I have two things that keep me sane—my daughter Lily and playing football for the NFL. But when my meddling sister hires a nanny without my knowledge, I’m not thrilled to come home and find the woman has taken over my house. Our instant attraction is one more complication I don’t need in my life. But my daughter loves Amelia, and I will do anything for that tiny munchkin. Even if it means walking around with blue balls most of the time. Why does the nanny have to be so sweet—and drop dead gorgeous? She’s driving me crazy. Never in my life have I wanted a woman more. I just need to make it through this season. I can do that. Hands free, of course. But then there’s that moment, and I know she’s thinking what I’m thinking and, well, yeah. 

The Nanny Rules is a contemporary romance that hit all the sweet spots for the feels. Yes, it is the boo/nanny trope- but I love that Amelia loves Lily before even meeting her father. I liked that Amelia and Brody each have issues from their past that they need to deal with, issues of trust and hope that they need to work on for themselves before moving forward. I liked that while Brody and Amelia were guarding their feelings and their hearts, they both loved Lily and put her first in just about everything. I also enjoy the way Brody related to his team and coach, I liked that he had that support and camaraderie available to him. I just thought the connection between the characters, and their fears, were spot on and written very well. I found myself grinning or cringing as I read as they tried to find their way toward their own peace and their happy ever after. I liked the secondary characters as well. I want more about a few of Brody's teammates and coach, and his sister as well. The complications and struggles were all so real and heart felt that I was rooting for the characters right from the start. 

The Nanny Rules is a wonderful contemporary romance that has a good balance of heart and heat. Readers that are particularly fond of the boss/nanny trope and sports romance will really enjoy it. I think this was my first read from this author, but it will not be my last.

Early Book Review: Call Her Mine (Harmony Pointe) by Melissa Foster

Call Her Mine is the first book in the Harmony Pointe series by Melissa Foster. While it is the start of a new series, there are some familiar faces for Foster fans. It is currently scheduled for release on August 13 2019.

Ben Dalton has always been honest, except where his heart is concerned. He’s been in love with his best friend—saucy, smart-mouthed Aurelia Stark—forever. But Ben’s a planner, and timing has never been on his side. When he finally decides to make his move, Aurelia beats him to the punch with a move of her own—to a different town. Aurelia loves her new life in the charming town of Harmony Pointe. She has a great apartment and her very own bookstore, and best of all, the sinfully hot, commitment-phobic friend she’s crushed on for years is no longer just around the corner. Maybe she’ll finally be able to leave her unrequited love behind and move on. But when a baby is left on Ben’s front porch—a baby that is presumably his—Aurelia is there for him. Neither one knows the first thing about babies, but how hard can it be? Ben and Aurelia are catapulted into a world of love, laughter, and tracking down the baby mama, and it might even add up to a very happily ever after, just not one either of them expects.

Call Her Mine is an emotional and engaging romance. While Ben and Aurelia have been dancing around each other for years, neither realizing that the other was attracted to them and wanted more than friendship, it took a big crisis to get them to slow down and really look at each other. I like how once they started talking things out with each other they started making thing work- even though there was more than one occasion I wanted to shake one or the other to get them to share more of what they were thinking. Frankly as a parent, and former daycare worker (in the infant room no less), I found their antics as they figured out how to take care of the baby highly entertaining. I loved that they did have a support system, and like most fiercely independent people, struggled with accepting support even when freely (or enthusiastically) offered- which is something I relate to on many levels. The compassion and love in this book is almost overwhelming- and if I can complain about anything it is that the characters are almost too unrealistically good and I wish there were more people like this in the real world.

Call Her Mine is a must read for fans of Foster. I loved the story and found it to be sweet, fun, and steamy in good proportions. 

Early Book Review: Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe

Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe is currently scheduled for release on August 5 2019.  It's not always possible to meet in the middle. Registered nurse Evan Doyle doesn’t consider himself fit for more than occasional hookups. He has a good life, but the emotional aftermath of a horrific crime makes him feel too damaged to date. So when his sister’s hot bestie, Malcolm Umbertini, comes on to him, he turns him down flat. Mal is Relationship Material: the kind who thinks in the long term. What would Evan do with a man like that? As a prosecuting attorney, Mal’s learned how to read people, and he knows there’s more to Evan than meets the eye. Mal has faced his own hardships since his family kicked him out as a teen, and he respects Evan’s courage and emotional resilience. More than that, he wants Evan—in his bed and in his life. But can he weather another rejection? Both wary, they agree to a no-strings fling. Mal knows that Evan wants things to stay casual, but he’s falling in love a little more with each encounter. With health, happiness, and bruised hearts on the line, Mal and Evan must risk everything for love.

Relationship Material is a great romance about people with serious emotional scars finding a better future. Even has been through hell and is fighting anxiety at every turn. Malcom does not do casual relationships, he tends to care too much too quickly but hide it all behind bluster. Seeing Even reunite with his sister and find his own way toward being in a relationship was beautiful. I loved the honest way trauma, anxiety, and mental illness is discussed and worked with in the story. It is honest and sometimes hard to read, but so well done. I thought that Mal and Evan had very realistic reactions to each other at almost every turn, and I just fell in love with them both. My only complaint is that I want more. I want Caro to find peace, I want to see Evan and Mal's future, I want to see more of Mal's mother and the other residents of the nursing home. Keefe is now on my list of authors to be watching, hoping, for whatever comes next.

Relationship Material left me wanting more, in the very best ways. I was so sad to have the story end, and I hope Keefe writes more about the characters here because I want so much more!

Early Book Review: One Summer Weekend (Cedar Street) by Shannon Stacey

One Summer Weekend by Shannon Stacey is the first book in the Cedar Street series. It is currently scheduled for release on August 5 2019.

Noah Stafford loves his life—his happy, single life. So what if he made up a fake girlfriend to stop his boss’s matchmaking? He kept things close to the truth—Carly really does have long, sexy legs and a killer sense of humor. She just happens to be his best friend. His wicked awesome and completely platonic best friend. But now his boss is having a destination wedding, and Noah is expected to attend…with Carly, his girlfriend. Carly Randall has no interest in living out a rom-com plot. But Noah is her best friend, so she agrees to help. Still, once they arrive on Cape Cod, she can’t explain the sudden butterflies she feels when he looks at her that way. Or why she doesn’t mind when Noah’s hands stray a little south of her back. What happens on the Cape stays on the Cape. Except not really, not at all, and once their sexy faux-cation is over, Noah and Carly return to a reality where everything’s changed. Going for it would mean risking their friendship, but forgetting how good they were together just isn’t an option.

One Summer Weekend is a fun friend to lover novella that is sweet and enjoyable to read. Noah and Carly are best friends that share just about everything. Getting thrown together as a pretend couple instead of best friends shows bends and breaks the boundaries between them. I liked the banter between the two and how friends gave them just as much advise and ribbing as I would expect from close friends.The way they teased each other and valued their friendship was wonderful, and pulled me into the story.  I found Carly and Noah's fears to be very realistic, and I was rooting for them from the very beginning. EAch of their individual freak outs were well done and in character- and I loved seeing them figure it out and find their way to happy ever after. I greatly enjoyed the ride, and will continue picking up new books from the author.

One Summer Weekend is a perfect single sitting or relaxing by the pool read. It is fun, sweet, and has just a touch of heat. Fans of the author are certainly going to want to read it, and newcomers to Stacey's work might become serious fans after this read. 

Book Review: Tall, Tatted, and Tempting (Reed Brothers) by Tammy Falkner

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting by Tammy Falkner is a new adult romance. Logan wants to know my name, but I can't tell him. I can't tell him anything. There are too many people looking for me. He's pretty persuasive, though, and he convinces me to go home with him so he can keep me safe from this harsh city where I find myself. It's not my home. It's his. He belongs. I don't. Logan lives with four brothers in the inner city. Yet I've never felt more safe than I do when I'm with him. I want him. But he won't let me have a darn thing, aside from his friendship, unless I'm willing to tell him my secrets. But they're mine, and I can't share them. Not unless I want them to come and get me. She catches my eye because she's so beautiful she takes my breath. But that's not all that I love about her. I love the way she smells. The way she smiles. The way she plays the guitar is unlike anything I have ever seen. She sleeps in my bed every night, and drives me crazy with her touch. But I can't take what she offers because I need all of her. I need for her to tell me her secrets. I need for her to trust me.

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting captured my attention right away and kept me thoroughly engaged for the entire read. I really loved Kit/Emily and thought her character was very well done. I was intrigued by her story and wanted more, and the way it was slowly revealed was pretty perfect for the larger story. Logan was very well written as well, the only complaint I could have for him was that he was almost too perfect. His patience and love for his family and friends was almost too perfect. Logan's family and the complications that were written into the story were very well handled. I loved the way everyone (including Logan) dealt with his deafness, and the way he responded to discovering that Kit had issues of her own was spot on. My biggest complaint is that I had no idea that there was a follow up (my fault for not paying any attention). While some things were decided by the end of this book, and so much revealed, there are so many more questions in my mind about what happens next for all of the characters of this story. I loved the read, but was so frustrated when I reached the end. I would suggest  having the next book on hand before starting this- because it is one I had trouble putting down, and when I went to check how many Reed Bother books there were- I counted ten plus some novellas. I have some follow up reading to do!

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting is an engaging new adult romance with lots of heart. Just be aware that it is the first in a series- and the ending leaves lots of questions for the future.There are at least ten books in the series, so you can scratch that itch right away.

Early Book Review: Love at First Bark (Rescue Me) by Debbie Burns

Love at First Bark is the fourth book in the Rescue Me series by Debbie Burns. It is currently scheduled for release on July 30 2019. You do not have to have read all the books, or the books in order, to enjoy them. They can each stand up well on their own.

Animal portrait painter Mia Chambers and architect Ben Thomas have volunteered at the High Grove Animal Shelter for years, and they share a complicated history. Ben has secretly loved Mia all this time, but she was married to his best friend. Now she's newly widowed, with a young son, and Ben doesn't know how to tell her what's in his heart. All he can do is stay close, help her as much as she'll let him, and watch for the right moment to bare his soul. When a dozen adorable border collies get dumped in St. Louis' biggest park, everyone at the shelter mobilizes for a large-scale rescue. Rushing to the park to round up the frisky collies, Ben and Mia unexpectedly plunge into a new phase of their entangled lives. Who knew that opening their hearts and homes—to animals in need and to each other—would lead to so many upheavals and new beginnings?

Love at First Bark is a sweet story about two great people in a hard situation, having trouble admitting their feelings. Mia was in then middle of divorcing her husband when he died. There are secrets and a lack of closure swirling around her and she is struggling to do the right thing and help her young son deal with all the changes in his life. Ben has been a good friend, but was always her husband's friend first, so Mia is not sure what to do with the still growing attraction for him as she deals with the chaos left behind. I like that Ben is honestly a good guy, and willing to stand back and care for Mia ans Ollie in what ever way he can. The addition of adorable pups and great secondary characters make the story even more engaging and fun to read. I did enjoy the characters, and getting to know them. I liked the story, but I have to admit that it did not wow me. There were a couple moments when I expected something bigger to happen, and it just did not. There was nothing wrong with the book, it was well written and solid, it just fell a little short of my expectations.

Love at First Bark is a lovely contemporary romance about second chances.  I enjoyed the read.

Book Review: Save The Date by Monica Murphy

Save The Date by Monica Murphy is a stand alone contemporary romance.  Caroline Abbott loves her job—helping engaged couples pick out the perfect save the date cards and invitations for their dream wedding. Working at Noteworthy means she has to deal with the occasional bridezilla, but Caroline’s always up for the challenge. Until one particular bridezilla walks into the stationery store who’s fiancé happens to be the boy Caroline shared her first kiss with. Alexander Wilder is all grown up now, helping run his family’s successful luxury hotel chain, and is somehow even better looking than she remembers. When Caroline just happens to catch Alex’s fiancée half naked with another man well, of course she has to tell Alex. Of course, he breaks off his engagement. And of course, the ex-bridezilla has gone completely bonkers. At least Caroline has her friends to save her from crazy ex-fiancées. But she also has the sudden interest of…Alex? Caroline knows they share a connection, but is he on the rebound? Or after seeing her all these years later, does he really want something more?

Save The Date is a romance that had me grinning and cringing in turn. I liked Caroline's character, and how hard she worked to be independent with still having a good support systems of friends and owning her fears of the future. Alex is a workaholic that I liked seeing admit what he needed and wanted out of life while still working to keep his family happy. The interactions between the two were sweet, sometimes snarky, and generally fun to read. I loved Caroline's friends and wish we all had a tribe of chosen family like that. I thought the twists and turns of the story were well written- and individually very believable. I found myself very engaged and had trouble putting the book aside a few times when I needed to- like to go to sleep at night. I enjoyed the read and think many others will as well. I just hope Murphy gives some of Caroline's friends happy endings pf their own.

Save The Date is a sweet romance with hints of a second chance romance and some sibling's friend- but never really gets lost in either. I liked the honesty and twists in the story. I am really glad I read it and will be reading more from the author.

Early Book Review: Count on Me (Petal Georgia) by Lauren Dane

Count on Me is the first book in the Petal Georgia series (a spin off of the Chase Brothers series) by Lauren Dane. Each of the books by Dane seems to stand up fine on its own, but fans of the earlier series will enjoy seeing some favorites make an appearance. This book is currently scheduled for release on July 8 2019.

Caroline Mendoza left home to become a lawyer with one goal in mind: prove her father’s innocence. Now she’s back, and nothing will stop her from uncovering the truth—not the folks of Petal, who have their own ideas about the case, not her siblings and definitely not Royal Watson, who should probably stand trial for being indecently and undeniably hot. 

Count on Me is a contemporary romance that hits many tough topics, has a solid dose of danger, but also lots of heart and sweet moments. Caroline has been struggling to exonerate her father for all of her adult life, and the small town attitudes and stubbornness of family make everything more emotional and challenging than it really should be. Family issue abound, as do problems in finding her place in her hometown. Royal is such a good guy, almost too perfect. He is open minded and protective while still respecting the indepence and abilities of those around him. I liked the honesty and banter between the pair, and how straight forward Caroline is with just about everyone and every issue that comes her way. While the pair came together more quickly than I expected- I really enjoyed how they came together and grew closer throughout the story. The only issue I had with the read is that every now and then there were time or scene transitions that just felt a little rough to me. Or moments that just made me wonder why they were even included. For instance, in one moment Royal's phone rings as he was driving- but no mention of the phone call was made again, so why was it even included. No missed call or message to be followed up. Little petty things like that stick with me, I think only because I love the author so much that I expect better but others might not even notice.

Count on Me is a good return to Petal, and I enjoyed the read. Not my favorite book by Dane, but that is a high threshold to match. Fans of Dane will definitely want to add this to their to be read pile.