"Holiday Heat" (Story 1 of "Love for the Holidays" Bundle) by Noelle Adams - Review

Holiday Heat

(Story 1 of Love for the Holidays bundle)

BY  Noelle Adams

Overview:

After being hit with heartbreaking tragedy, Carrie has thrown herself into a hot, secret relationship with Matt. With Christmas approaching, she realizes she might want even more from her sexy, damaged artist, but the boundaries around their relationship make anything deeper than sex impossible.

Matt was the rising star of the art world, but he hasn't painted since a tragic accident two years ago. His passion for Carrie finally inspires him, but first he must convince her that the heat between them is far more than just sex.

Originally published as part of the Love for the Holidays bundle.

My Review:

Author Noelle Adams did it again with this tragedy to the road to healing story!  I could not imagine going through such a traumatic event that the two main characters went though.  I was captivated by how the story developed revealing each characters tragedy and how each of them moved forward from the tragedy.  Even from tragedy can one find true love again?  I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like romance stories that seems that the characters have the odds stacked against them.

Links:

Author Website:   http://noelle-adams.com

"Deathwatch" (Broslin Creek #1) By Dana Marton and Narrated by Talmadge Ragan - Audio Book Review

Deathwatch (Broslin Creek #1)

(Audible Narrated by Talmadge Ragan)

BY  Dana Marton

Overview:

As the only person who can identify the most notorious hit man in the country, Kat Bridges is running for her life.

Murphy Dolan is in the Army Reserves, returning from his 2nd tour of duty, only to find a stranger hiding in his house. She's scared spitless. He's completely burned-out on violence. Neither of them has any trust left to give.

If the best of the FBI couldn't protect her from the country’s most notorious assassin, does a burned-out small town cop have a prayer?

My Review:

This is my first read or should I say listen… of one of Author Dana Marton’s books and I absolutely loved the premise of the story.  I was captivated by the suspense through the story.  Also, this is the first audio that was narrated by Talmadge Ragan.  Her narration added to the story in my opinion.  I really enjoyed reading this story and looking forward to listening or reading the rest of the Broslin Creek book series and other books by Dana Marton.

Links:

Author Website:   http://www.danamarton.com

"A Family for Christmas" (Willow Park #3) By Noelle Adams - Review

A Family for Christmas

(Willow Park #3)

BY  Noelle Adams

Overview:

For years, Lydia has dreamed of overseas mission work, the way some women dream of getting married. How ironic that she needs a husband to finally make it happen. She's always been practical, however—even if it means a marriage-of-convenience so she can finally do the work she’s called to do. Gabe needs a wife at exactly the right time. Plus, he’s kind of hot.

After a spectacularly failed marriage, Gabe isn't looking for a wife. He and his nine-year-old daughter are doing just fine on their own. But he's happy to negotiate a practical arrangement with Lydia in order to move into a new and more rewarding job. After all, a marriage like theirs won't end up changing his life very much.

They both have their priorities, and marriage just isn't one of them. But their carefully planned relationship doesn't exactly go as planned...

My Review:

This is my first book that I have read of author Noelle Adams and I was intrigued by the story!  I could relate to Lydia character ambitions, as her character is similar to myself in more than one aspect.  I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and I hated when I had to set it down because I wanted to finish it so I knew what was going to happen next and how the book ended.  I like the dynamics between the main characters (Lydia, Gabe, and Ellie).I thought the secondary characters added to the storyline and made it close to reality.  I enjoyed this book so much I am looking forward to reading other books by Noelle Adams as well from this series.  If you haven’t ready Noelle Adams books or the Willow Park series go and get one of her books you will enjoy it!

Links:

Author Website:   http://noelle-adams.com

"Love At First Date" (Better Date the Never Series, Book #1) By Susan Hatler and Narrated by Martha Lee - Audio Book Review

Love at First Date

(Better Date Then Never Series, Book #1)

(Audible Narrated by Martha Lee)

BY  Susan Hatler

Overview:

Ellen may not believe in storybook love, but it’s about to rewrite her life . . .

Ellen’s figured out that finding the right guy is all about compatibility. That’s why she signs up for Detailed Dating—the local online dating scene in Sacramento. They ask men the hard questions, compare their answers with hers, then she filters through the profiles of each provided “match.” After numerous email exchanges, she narrows it down to two promising candidates she’s excited to meet in person.

When Ellen’s best friend asks her for a favor, dog-sitting leads to disaster and Ellen ends up at the local vet where she meets a man she can’t get out of her mind. Henry isn’t a logical choice, but she finds herself paying for dog obedience class to spend more time with him.

Ellen knows that in order to have a lasting relationship, she should take the safe route and go for one of the pre-screened guys. But, how can she think with her head when her heart keeps begging her to give Henry a chance?

My Review:

I received the Audible of “Love at First Date” by Susan Hatler and Narrated by Martha Lee.  I enjoyed the narration by Martha Lee, she made it easy to follow along and used differentiated tones for each of the characters.  The author Susan Hatler did an amazing job with this book, it had me laughing at Chester antics and wondering who Ellen would select as her “Compatible” match.  I could relate to some of the dating challenges that Ellen faced and how others relationships may have an impact on a person choices for their own relationships.  I absolutely loved this story and will be looking for other books by Susan Hatler.

Links:

Author Website:   http://www.susanhatler.com

"The Single Daddy Club: Derrick" (The Single Daddy Club #1) By Donna Fasano - Review

The Single Daddy Club: Derrick

(The Single Daddy Club #1)

BY  Donna Fasano

Overview:

The Single Dad:
Ex-military man Derrick Richmond. Solitary and satisfied…until little Timmy was dropped into his lap and Derrick had to learn to be somebody's daddy.

The Single Woman:
Schoolteacher Anna Maxwell. Fate might have denied her a family of her own, but Anna still had plenty of love to give, if only someone would notice.

The Solution:
Anna would teach Derrick all he needed to know about kids. Father and son would give Anna some precious memories. Then the schoolteacher and the single dad would go their separate ways. Unless one little boy figured out a way to make Miss Maxwell become his mom!

My Review:

This is my first book that I have read of author Donna Fasano and I was captivated by the story line!  I loved the main character and how they were developed through the story.  It was like I was looking into a window watching the story unfold.  It was like viewing a real life journey of a man learning to be a father … a single father at that and in the process of trial and error true love is found.  I enjoyed this book and looking forward to reading the other books in the series to find out what happens to the main characters and find out the story of the other supporting characters who are single fathers as well.

Links:

Author Website:   http://www.DonnaFasano.com

"Truth or Date" (Better Date Than Never Series, Book #2) By Susan Hatler & Narrated by Martha Lee - Audible Review

Truth or Date
(Better Date Then Never Series, Book #2)

(Audible Narrated by Martha Lee)

BY  Susan Hatler

Overview:

Gina Hall is done with men who won’t commit. Ten years waiting for her ex to propose wasted her time. Never again. When her friend Kristen starts a game of Truth or Dare, she dares Gina to go on a date with Ethan, who’s amazing and total marriage material.

As Gina plans the going away party for office playboy Chris Bradley, she spontaneously initiates a game of Truth or Dare with him. When his turn comes around, he dares Gina to pose as his girlfriend to help get a flirty colleague off his back. Gina finds playing couple with Chris way too much fun.

Even though Gina and Chris are pretending, their relationship begins to feel painfully real. Fearing she might be falling for another fly-by man, Gina must focus on Ethan so she doesn’t make the same dating mistakes all over again.

My Review:

I received the Audible of “Truth or Date” by Susan Hatler and Narrated by Martha Lee.  I enjoyed the narration by Martha Lee, she made it easy to follow along and used differentiated tones for each of the characters.  The author Susan Hatler did an amazing job with this book, it had me laughing, crying, and wondering who Gina would end up with all the way through the book and up until the end.  I loved each of the characters development through the story and how they interacted with each other.  I absolutely loved this story and will be looking for other books by Susan Hatler.

Links:

Author Website:   http://www.susanhatler.com

"15 W. Gibson" By Aubree Lane - Review

15 W. Gibson

BY  Aubree Lane

Overview:

Knowing Uncle Sam is about to come knocking, twenty-one year old Jimmy Franks saves the government the cost of a stamp and preemptively enlists in the Navy. He loads up on stationery and pens, and with a heavy heart, kisses his lovely bride goodbye. Leaving his precious Suzy is the hardest thing he’s ever had to do.

Pregnant and left alone to deal with their feuding families, Suzy Franks is heartbroken when Jimmy ships out for the Mariana Islands. Knowing Guam is considered safe and that she will eventually be able to join him offers her little solace. Suzy's mettle is put to the test. Her husband's letters of love brings comfort, but 15 W. Gibson is a lonely place without him.

My Review:

This is my first book that I have read of author Aubree Lane’s and I was blown away by this short but powerful story!  I never read such a book that was formatted this way (not going to say how it was laid out to prevent spoiling it), but I absolutely loved it!  The way that this book is laid out made me feel like I was one of the Jimmy and Suzy’s children reading their love story.  This is a must read for everyone! I can guarantee you that you will enjoy it as much if not more than I did.  Happy Reading.

Links:

Author Website:   https://www.goodreads.com/AubreeLane

"Love in a Small Town" (Pine Harbour Book 1) By Zoe York - Review

Love in a Small Town

(Pine Harbour Book 1)

BY  Zoe York

Overview:

Six years. Two break ups. One divorce. They should be over each other.

Police officer and army reservist Rafe Minelli knows better than to tell his wife no, particularly since they aren't married anymore. She can’t hightail it out of town, though, not when they’ve finally broken through the post-divorce cold war status quo.

Olivia Minelli needs to leave Pine Harbour. It’s just too hard to see Rafe moving on without her—even if he says he doesn’t want to. But when a new and exciting job falls into her lap, she needs to choose: protect her heart, or take the new job and risk getting emotionally entangled with her ex-husband. Again.

My Review:

“Love in a Small Town” by Zoe York is the first book I have read of this author.  To be honest the book started out a little slow, but as the story line developed it quickly picked up and I didn’t want to set it down.  The way this book was written gives you a vision of how a small town culture is like.  The two main characters are very dynamic and I could relate to both of the characters.  I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and other books by Zoe York.

Links:

Author Website:   http://www.zoeyork.com

"Masterpiece Unraveled" (Masterpiece Trilogy #2) By Nikki Lynn Barrett - Review

Masterpiece Unraveled

(Masterpiece Trilogy #2)

BY  Nikki Lynn Barrett

(Released dated october 17, 2014)

Overview:

As love blossoms, twenty year old secrets threaten it all....

Becca and Hunter have always tried to make sense of a tragedy, but they never fully asked why. Why were they on the same plane? Where were they going, or coming from? Recent events force them to find out everything they can about the plane crash and the events that led them there.

Becca's always been strong. She's always found a safety net in Hunter, the man who saved her as a child and always stuck by her, giving her reason to go on when no one else gave her a chance. Now, she fights to keep her strength going, but her fears begin to get the better of her, and the facade she tries to hold up threatens to crack.

Hunter is learning to fight his demons and put them to rest, but he can't help but worry about Becca and the future they've just begun to build. She's become the withdrawn person he'd been for the past few years and he doesn't know how to help, unless he finds the answers they both are desperate to know.

They've always battled every storm together, but a new storm could sweep in and blow the foundation right out from under them....

The second installment of the Masterpiece trilogy is full of twists, turns, and secrets that come unburied...


WARNING:
This story is not a standalone, this is the second in a trilogy that follow the same characters. A Masterpiece Of Our Love should be read first.

My Review:

This is the second book that I have read by author Nikki Lynn Barrett and I could wait to begin “Masterpiece Unraveled” ever since I finish book one of the trilogy “Masterpiece of our Love”!  I couldn't set it down as I wanted to know what would happen next, how the characters would develop through the book.  I loved that the book had a mystery and romance story line.  The mystery aspect of the book creates suspense that starts in book one of the trilogy and goes into to the following books making all the books in the trilogy not stand alone books.  The emotions of the main characters jumped off the pages and made me feel like I was immersed in the story alongside the main characters.  I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Masterpiece trilogy and other books by Nikki Lynn Barrett & would recommend anyone who loves a good mystery romance story.

Links:

Author Website:   http://www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com/

"A Masterpiece of Our Love" (Masterpiece Trilogy #1) By: Nikki Lynn Barrett -- Review

A Masterpiece of our Love

(Masterpiece Trilogy #1)

BY  Nikki Lynn Barrett

Overview:

Two Lives Torn by tragedy.

Eight-year-old Becca and twelve-year-old Hunter cling to each other and life after surviving a plane crash which stole their families.

Two Souls Seeking Love.

Each year, from the time she was old enough to travel on her own, Becca met up with Hunter on the island that altered their lives forever.

Until he stopped showing.

Her constant. Her link to the past. Gone in the blink of an eye.

Two Lives Bound by Secret.

Suffering more heartbreak, Hunter returns to the one place he’s always sought comfort, the island where he and Becca met. It was the place that stole from him, and in the same instance gave to him. He hasn't been back or spoken to Becca in four years.

Though he’s sure she must hate him for disappearing, Hunter discovers the girl gone, now a woman in her place. Hunter is determined to prove to Becca he isn’t the same twelve-year-old boy of yesteryear.

But someone isn't happy about their reunion...

Strange things begin happening. Letters start showing up in their hotel rooms and at home with cryptic messages.

Two Broken Hearts Heal as One.

With the mystery unsolved, Hunter convinces Becca to spend the remainder of the summer back home with him, both for safety and to give them a chance to discover the adults they’ve now become.

Will love get a chance to blossom, or will the past come back and tear the masterpiece of their love apart once and for all?

My Review:

This is my first book that I have read of author Nikki Lynn Barrett and I was captured from the very beginning of “Masterpiece of our Love”!  I couldn't set it down as I wanted to know what would happen next, how the characters would respond to each other and so on.  I loved that the book had a mystery and romance story line.  The emotions of the characters came off the pages and made me feel like I was immersed in the story alongside the two main characters.  I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Masterpiece trilogy and other books by Nikki Lynn Barrett & would recommend anyone who loves a good mystery romance story.

Links:

Author Website:   http://www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com/

The Chocolate Garden (Dare River Series Book 2) - By Ava Miles - Review

The Chocolate Garden

(Dare River Series Book 2)

BY  Ava Miles

Overview:

Visionary gardener Tammy Hollins is making a new life for herself and her children after a tragic marriage. Plants she understands, but men…well, they’re of the weed variety. She’s started her own landscaping business, catering to her country music rock star brother’s friends. Her first client is sexy, soulful, Alpha hero material, and the one man who tantalizes her and scares her to death

John Parker McGuiness is a man of many talents, working as a songwriter and lawyer for country music’s biggest stars. He’s drawn to Tammy like no other and hires her as his landscaper, wanting to show her they’re made for each other. When Tammy learns he’s a professed chocoholic, she fashions a magical garden for him—a chocolate garden

As the garden comes to life, their love for each other grows. When tragedy strikes Tammy’s home, John Parker is willing to move mountains to protect her and her children. Tammy struggles to guard her newfound independence as they use the magic of the chocolate garden to help her children feel safe again. But when secrets from Tammy’s past resurface, can their love and passion survive the memories haunting her? (love story, contemporary romance, alpha males, heroes, billionaire, beach reads, romance, cowboys, falling in love, sweet romance)

My Review:

Wow Ava Miles book “The Chocolate Garden” draws you in and makes one feel like they are there experiencing the situation and feeling the emotions of the characters.  The various character development and complexities makes it believable.  The characters emotion radiated off the pages, whether they were overjoyed, sad, scared, angry, or unsure, you as a reader felt it right with them.  I found that this book characters so dynamic and relateable to my life and those around me that I found myself like some of the characters and not so much of other characters due to their behaviors.  I didn’t want to set the book down as I was intrigued by the story line and what would happen or how the situation would develop.  I look forward to the next book(s) in this series.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

Links:

Author Website:   http://www.avamiles.com

Vengeful In Love By Nadia Lee - Review

Vengeful In Love

(Hearts on the Line Book One)

BY  Nadia Lee

Overview:

REVENGE IS SWEET...

Self-made billionaire Alex Damon wants his pound of flesh from the people who ripped his family apart. When he discovers his enemies' daughter is working at his company -- and most likely spying for them -- he decides to start his revenge by seducing her. Natalie Hall is stunned at the personal interest from the CEO of her company. Vulnerable, with an already bruised heart, she wants to avoid any involvement -- but she can't deny the desire he arouses in her.

...BUT LOVE IN SWEETER...

What should've been a straightforward eye-for-an-eye starts to unravel as Natalie's unflinching loyalty and kindness begin to thaw Alex's cold intent. But caring for her is unthinkable...since he plans to use everything in his power to ruin her family and everyone else she holds dear.

Previously published as Carnal Secrets.

My Review:

This is the first book that I have read of author Nadia Lee and I was captured from the very beginning of “Vengeful in Love”!  I couldn’t set it down as I wanted to know what would happen next and how the story would play out.  This story showed how dynamic people are and how perception differs from reality.  I could relate with the characters and their perspectives.  Like with life there are ups and downs and this story had its share making it more similar to life. This story had me cheering on characters and feeling a range of emotions (happy, sad, mad, confused, and thrilled).  I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance books.

Links:

Author Website:   http://www.nadialee.net/

"Loving Ms. Wrong (Walk on the Wild Side)" By C.J. Ellisson -- Review

Loving Ms. Wrong

(Walk on the Wild Side #3.5)

BY  C.J. Ellisson

Overview:

Katrina attends a birthday party for her friend Carla. Little does the health food store owner know that the fateful girls night out will change her life forever.

Marcus, the polished metrosexual who hates to get his hands dirty, stumbles upon the ladies at a local bar. Sparks fly when the two meet, courtesy of a 12-sided sex dice and a night neither one will ever forget.

My Review:

This is my first book that I have read of author C.J. Ellisson and I was captured from the very beginning of “Loving Ms. Wrong”!  I couldn't set it down as I wanted to know what would happen next, how the characters would respond to each other and so on.  I loved that the book alternated between character points of views as the book unfolded.  I like that as the story developed the characters and circumstances were realistic and relatable to real live.  I am looking forward to reading C.J. Ellisson’s other books & would recommend anyone who loves a good romance story.

Links:

Author Website:   http://cjellisson.com/

"Small Blessings" By Martha Woodroof -- Review

Small Blessings: A Novel

BY  Martha Woodroof

AVAILABLE AUGUST 12, 2014 - pRE-ORDER now!

 Advanced Readers Edition I received

Official Book Cover - As seen on Amazon

Overview:

From debut novelist Martha Woodroof comes an inspiring tale of a small-town college professor, a remarkable new woman at the bookshop, and the ten-year old son he never knew he had.  

Tom Putnam has resigned himself to a quiet and half-fulfilled life. An English professor in a sleepy college town, he spends his days browsing the Shakespeare shelves at the campus bookstore, managing the oddball faculty in his department and caring, alongside his formidable mother-in-law, for his wife Marjory, a fragile shut-in with unrelenting neuroses, a condition exacerbated by her discovery of Tom’s brief and misguided affair with a visiting poetess a decade earlier.

Then, one evening at the bookstore, Tom and Marjory meet Rose Callahan, the shop's charming new hire, and Marjory invites Rose to their home for dinner, out of the blue, her first social interaction since her breakdown. Tom wonders if it’s a sign that change is on the horizon, a feeling confirmed upon his return home, where he opens a letter from his former paramour, informing him he'd fathered a son who is heading Tom's way on a train.  His mind races at the possibility of having a family after so many years of loneliness. And it becomes clear change is coming whether Tom’s ready or not.

A heartwarming story with a charmingly imperfect cast of characters to cheer for, Small Blessings's wonderfully optimistic heart that reminds us that sometimes, when it feels like life has veered irrevocably off track, the track shifts in ways we never can have imagined.

My Review:

Author Martha Woodroof’s “Small Blessings” is a book you won’t want to put down.  Each of the characters are so dynamic one is able to visualize what they are doing, feeling, and even thinking throughout the book.  Everyone, no matter who you are, will be able to relate to each of the characters.  I enjoyed reading about the different relationships (work, family, friends, & new) that developed throughout the book.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading a heartwarming story with relatable characters with their imperfect traits, I guarantee that you won’t be able to set the book down once you start!

Links:

Author Website: http://marthawoodroof.com/

The Mutt and the Matchmaker By JB Lynn - Book Review

The Mutt and the Matchmaker

A MATCHMAKER MYSTERY NOVELLA (BOOK 1)

By JB Lynn

Overview:

When private investigator Tom Hanlon agrees to help out his elderly neighbor by taking her Maltese to the dog park, he has no idea he’s about to meet semi-psychic, wanna-be-matchmaker Armani Vasquez. 

Or that the pushy woman will insist on setting him up with quirky dog walker Jane Bly – his main suspect in a string of home burglaries -- and her high-strung, foster mutt, Calamity. 

Or that he’ll fall head-over-heels for one of them. 

​Will Tom catch the thief, or will it be his heart that’s stolen?

My Review:

Author JB Lynn book “The Mutt and the Matchmaker” captured my heart with the dogs and my curiosity with the mystery of who was the neighborhood thief and if Tom Hanlon, the PI, would solve the mystery or not.  I enjoyed reading this book and if you are one who loves dogs, mysteries, and romances so will you!

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

Links:

Author Website: http://www.jblynn.com/home.html