"Montana Cherries" By Kim Law - Review

Montana Cherries

By: Kim Law

 

Overview:

After her mother’s tragic death, Dani Wilde had no choice but to abandon her dreams. She left Columbia University and returned to her family’s Montana cherry farm, intent on being a maternal figure to her brothers. Now the kids are grown, and it’s finally her time to fly. Her sights are on New York City, and nothing will stop her—not even an old flame with gorgeous green eyes.

Celebrity photographer Ben Denton hasn’t seen Montana in years—and hasn’t spoken to Dani since “that night” so long ago. When he discovers he’s a dad to a four-year-old—and the child’s mother refuses to care for her—Montana and the Wilde farm spring to mind. The orchard is the only place that’s ever felt like home, but will the warmth of the Wilde family be enough to help Ben figure out how to be a father?

As the Wilde family gathers for the yearly cherry harvest and Dani struggles to figure out what she really wants in life, she discovers the shocking truth about her own mother—and learns that following her heart may lead her to her dreams after all. 

My Review:

This is the first book of Author Kim Law that I have and “Montana Cherries” was an awesome book to read through.  Have you ever read a book and didn’t want it to end, so much so that you slowed your reading just to delay the end of the book from coming too soon?  Yes, this is a book that I enjoyed so much I didn’t want it to end.  “Montana Cherries” was full of surprises, up and downs, and just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next something would through it in a totally different direction!  The Montana town that this takes place is describe with such details that I could envision the picturesque scenery and wish I could go see it for myself…if such a place still exists today!  I truly hope that Author Kim Law writes a sequel to this book that continues to show the family healing and new connections, how individuals are adapting to life, or focuses on one of the other characters from their point of view.  I fell in love with the Author Kim Law writing/story telling style and I will definitely be reading more books from this author.  This book is a must read!

"An Unexpected Kiss" (Treasured Dreams Book 2) - By Susan Hatler - Review.

An Unexpected Kiss (Treasured Dreams Book 2)

by Susan Hatler (Goodreads Author)

Overview: 

Holly is beyond excited about her first date with Dave. They share a love for her beloved small mountain resort town, plus she’s never felt such sparks for a guy before. But when her mom warns her to proceed with caution so she won’t get disappointed, Holly pulls back—until an unexpected surprise entices her to risk her heart completely.

My Review:

This is the first story I have read that was not an audio of Susan Halter’s Book and I can hear her personality through the way she writes.  I could relate with Holly and her thought about her first date with Dave, as I could picture myself feeling, thinking, and doing the same things as Holly.  If you like the thrill of a first date and all that goes along with prepping for a first date then this short story is for you!

"Drape Expectations" (Caprice De Luca Mystery #4) - By Karen Rose Smith - Review.

Drape Expectations (Caprice De Luca Mystery #4)

By Karen Rose Smith

Overview

These days, home stager Caprice De Luca’s calendar is a full house. Her grandmother’s health is failing, her wayward uncle is stirring the pot, and she’s torn between two equally eligible suitors. With so much drama in her personal life, Caprice is grateful to have Ace Richland, a former 80s rock star, ask her to stage his girlfriend’s house. But Alanna Goodwin is a tough customer who balks at Caprice’s ideas and all but commandeers the staging. Caprice almost isn’t surprised when the snappish Southern belle is strangled to death with a tieback from her tacky velvet drapes. But just as she draws back the curtains on the truth, Caprice realizes she may be next on a murderer’s set list…

My Review

This was the first book from Author Karen Rose Smith and “Drape Expectations - Caprice De Luca Mystery” series and it’s now one of my new favorites that I will be reading more of.  Do you love Mysteries? Do you love Cats and/or Dogs? Do you like a little romance?  Well….I am a lover of Dogs and Cats, Mysteries, and romance, and “Drape Expectations” is that all wrapped in one. I enjoyed the main character, Caprice, interaction with other characters and the pets, along with the mystery and romance intertwine through the story line made me not want to put the book down.  Author Karen Rose Smith has a unique writing style that I found enjoyable.  If you love mysteries, pets, and romance I would strongly recommend you read this book.

Author Link

Author Karen Rose Smith:            http://www.karenrosesmith.com

Hat Trick (Black Jack Gentlemen #4) By Liz Crowe - Review

Hat Trick (Black Jack Gentlemen # 4)

By: Liz Crowe

OVERVIEW:

Detroit’s expansion pro team has a hot star forward, fresh from the English Premiere League. Thanks to a series of fatal misunderstandings coupled with his famous temper, Declan MacGuire only has one thing left to him—soccer—and he’s determined not to make the same mistakes in his new life stateside.

Emily Keller, an accidental low-level PR flunkie for the team watches as Declan gets sucked into a whirlwind romance with Cassandra Dean, the team’s Queen Bee groupie, trying not to be jealous while the woman maneuvers him into a sickeningly familiar situation.

When things escalate, the team is forced to take sides, and Declan faces the toughest choice of his life.

REVIEW

This was my first book that I have read of author Liz Crowe and her writing style is unique from other books I have read.  I enjoy reading the point of views of the two main characters.  It was like reading two stories at once that overlapped each other.  Each of the main characters have their ups and downs that they are dealing with on their own and through the story they have more and more over lap of interaction between them.  I found myself hurting when the characters were hurting and hoped when they here hopeful.  I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the previous books in this series and the upcoming ones as well.

Authors Link:

http://www.lizcrowe.com

"Daring Brides" (Dare Valley # 8.5) By Ava Miles - Review

Daring Brides (Dare Valley #8.5)

By Ava Miles

Overview

Your favorite Dare Valley characters have survived betrayal, secrets, and tragedy to find true love. Now, watch each of these daring brides walk down the aisle to their happily ever after with the man of their dreams. You know, the hero who fires up all their engines. And, of course, the town of Dare Valley comes out to throw these fabulous couples quite a party.

From NORA ROBERTS LAND, Meredith Hale and her own hero, Tanner McBride, embark upon the journey into their new life, Marriage Land. See what makes Meredith’s wedding day so daring, and meet Tanner’s best man, international news correspondent Asher Harrington. Then, there’s Grandpa Hale’s priceless advice about what makes a long-lasting marriage.

Jill Hale from FRENCH ROAST has wanted to marry Brian McConnell since she wore pig tails in grade school. Brian has come around—finally. Sure, she got pregnant before they tied the knot, but it doesn’t matter because they’re going to live happily ever after. Find out what makes Jill a daring bride besides her wish to rent a pink circus tent for the wedding reception.

Peggy McBride from THE GRAND OPENING never imagined getting married again, especially to hotel magnate and poker champion, Mac Maven. See what Mac gives her to make their wedding day daring, and watch as her cute-as-a-button son binds their new family together in the most adorable way ever.

Abbie Maven from THE HOLIDAY SERENADE resisted her love for bad-boy Rhett Butler Blaylock, not only because he’s a poker player, but also because that Southerner knows how to start a ruckus wherever he goes. Now, it’s their wedding day, and Rhett’s friends from Dare River show up as well as his mama, Eugenia Lynn, and his cousin, Charleston. Of course, a ruckus breaks out, making Abbie feel more than a little daring, but it’s all in good fun and makes this couple’s wedding the most memorable one in Dare Valley for some time. (love story, contemporary romance, alpha males, heroes, billionaire, romance, family, falling in love, sweet romance)

Author's Note: All books can easily be read as stand-alone stories.

My Review

Who doesn’t enjoy attending or watching a wedding?  Ave Miles brings all the favorite couples from her previous books in this series.  After reading this I still can’t chose my top favorite from the couples as each of the couples have different aspects that I like and can’t decide which one I love more.  I enjoy this series and how Ava Miles develops her characters in each book as well builds them up in previous book and continues in the following ones.  Each of these couples stories had me smiling, laughing, and yes even crying at times.

"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."

"A Forever Masterpiece" (Masterpiece Trilogy #3) By Nikki Lynn Barrett - Review

A Forever Masterpiece

(Masterpiece Trilogy #3)

BY  Nikki Lynn Barrett

Overview:

Becca and Hunter plan a future without knowing their past...

Few people know the entire truth about Becca and Hunter's connection. Even fewer are living. One is in hiding, and another is closer than they think. They're still no closer to knowing everything. Hunter gets a piece of his old life back, while Becca still longs for all the answers.

One terrifying night brings consequences...

Someone doesn't want them to find the answers and will go to dire lengths to keep the past hidden. The question is, who? With so many people involved, which one of them would go to the extreme to make sure they never know?

The hunter becomes the hunted...

With the one person who started the whole thing in hiding, everyone is desperate to find her and gain the truth or keep her silent forever. It's only a matter of time...
The final installment of the Masterpiece Trilogy is full of triumph, mystery, romance, and so much more. Prepare for the twists and turns as Becca and Hunter make their way to forever.

My Review:

I am absolutely in love with author Nikki Lynn Barrett and the “Masterpiece” series!  I couldn’t set it down and I didn’t want to it to end.  I was in love with this series from the first book in the series and patiently awaited each of the following books to be released.  This book was just as captivating as the first two and will definitely be reading this series again!  If you haven’t read this series this is a must read…you won’t be disappointed.

Links:

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

"Bridge To A Better Life" (Dare Valley #8) By Ava Miles - Review

Bridge To A Better Life (Dare Valley #8)

By Ava Miles

Overview

Sports hero and newly retired NFL quarterback Blake Cunningham wants a second chance at love…with his ex-wife. He's bought the house next door to her in Dare Valley and has built a bridge connecting their properties. It's his bridge to a better life, the one he lost when Natalie Hale left him after a family tragedy destroyed their marriage.

Natalie has just started a new job as the head caterer at the small town's historic hotel. When she discovers Blake has become the boy next door-literally-she secretly has to admit he still fires up all her engines and tugs at her heart. But the ghosts from their past seem too monumental to conquer.  

Blake vows to help Natalie remember the power of their love and friendship. With the intense sparks of attraction flying between them, Natalie begins to put her heart out there again. How can she resist Blake when he makes her laugh and swoon by even acting out her secret Outlander fantasy? As they both give love a second chance, they are forced to face their most disturbing memories, not only the tragedy that ripped their lives apart, but also the secret parts they were afraid to share...

My Review

Author Ava Miles has done it again with her latest book “Bridge to a Better Life” is a book you don’t want to miss!  The use of words to emphasize the depth of emotion or feeling of the character allows one to experience the characters emotion on a whole new level.  The Hale family dynamics with the combo of Professional Football characters makes this book the ultimate read for those who love to follow NFL and read Romance books.  Natalie and Blake journey will have you laughing, crying, hoping, and wishing for the situation to change for the better.  Want to know who their journey develops then you are going to want to read this book.  I couldn’t put the book down.  This book is one of my favorite of the whole 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."

"Save the Date" (Better Date Then Never Series, Book #4) By Susan Hatler and Narrated By Martha Lee - Review

Save the Date

(Better Date Then Never Series, Book #4)

(Audible Narrated by Martha Lee)

BY  Susan Hatler

Overview:

Kristen knows men hide things. Case in point, her last boyfriend turned out to be married. Just like anyone else, Kristen is devastated. However, since Kristen evaluates people for a living, her ex’s duplicity has her searching for a new career as well as swearing off men.

Touring history museums with her sexy friend Ethan doesn’t count, because he has a girlfriend, and has only shown friendly interest in Kristen. He even helps with her career counseling tasks. Although Kristen has a secret crush on Ethan, spending time with him is safe. Until she discovers he’s actually single. Gasp. And now he’s flirting with her, too.

Suddenly, Ethan is way too dangerous. Not to mention tempting. Sure, he seems like sixty shades of perfect, but how’s a girl with bad judgment supposed to detect what skeletons he has in his closet?

My Review:

I received the Audible of “Save the Date” by Susan Hatler and Narrated by Martha Lee.  I am really enjoying the narration by Martha Lee for this series, as she makes it easy to follow along and used differentiated tones for each of the characters.  Kristen story was intriguing to me to read about her journey for her to find her new career.  It’s interesting how events happen and the evaluation process Kristen takes to get her back on track.  I am enjoying the series and each of the characters stories.  I would recommend this series to anyone who love romantic comedy genre.

Links:

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

"Fireflies and Magnolias" Dare River #3 by Ava Miles - Review

Fireflies and Magnolias (Dare River #3)

By Ava Miles

Overview

Amelia Ann Hollins might have been raised to be a sweet magnolia, but she’s found her inner fire—the quest for justice. The secrets she carries and a tragedy from her past prompt her to volunteer at a legal clinic in the worst part of town. Here she can serve and protect the one she couldn’t save. Here she will risk everything.

Clayton Chandler’s happy life ended when his daddy died tragically when he was a boy. He lost his belief in magic and signs, but Amelia Ann is stirring the embers of passion and faith inside him again. He doesn’t plan on risking his heart. To make matters worse, he works for her rock star brother and knows better than to date the younger sister of his best friend.

When Amelia Ann volunteers to help with her brother’s charity concert, Clayton has nowhere to run. Soon he can no longer deny his fiery passion for Amelia Ann, and as the danger of her calling and her secrets threaten their newfound love, they’ll learn fireflies are magical and magnolias can burn hotter than steel. (love story, contemporary romance, alpha males, heroes, billionaire, romance, family, falling in love, sweet romance)

Author's Note: All books can easily be read as stand-alone stories

My Review

Author Ava Miles book “Fireflies and Magnolias” is a heart wrenching at times and heart throbbing at times type of story.  This story had me rooting for, yelling at, and hoping for a good ending for the main characters.  I also could relate with Rye being an older sibling and wanting to protect my younger sibling from bad decisions and taking unnecessary risks in life.  As this Dare River series develops I enjoy reading the love story of each of the couples and learning or should I say catching up with past couples from previous stories, it just so dynamic that I feel like I am watching the characters grow and develop.  Ava Miles series is a must read for any contemporary romance reader lover.  Just one note: keep Kleenex handy as you will needed it at parts of this story.

"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."

"Secret Refuge" (Wings of Danger #2): By Dana Mentink - Review

Secret Refuge

(Wings of Danger #2)

BY  Dana Mentink

Overview:

Former parole officer Mick Hudson blames himself for the death of Keeley Stevens's sister. If he hadn't paroled a criminal, she might still be alive. When he hears that the suspected killer has been spotted in Keeley's hometown, he worries she might be the next victim. Keeley doesn't want to take help from the man who could have prevented her sister's death, but she has more than herself to worry about. She'll do anything it takes to protect her family. And Mick will risk his life to make sure that the past does not repeat itself.

My Review:

I received the “Secret Refuge” by Dana Mentink to read and write an honest review.  This is my first book I have read by Dana Mentink and I absolutely loved reading “Secret Refuge”.  I was captured by the story line from the very beginning and didn’t want to set the book down and I kept my attention all the way to the end.  I loved the dialogue between the characters and even more so the internal thoughts of the characters.  I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery stories and the “who-done-it” stories.

Links:

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

Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox 2012 - Kiss Pro Lashes Starter Kit

Influenster info card quick run-down states:
Bring the salon home with this eyelash starter kit, complete with eyelashes, adhesive, and applicator. This latex-free glue has a 24-hour hold, for lashes you can bat all day and all night. ( $5.99)

"Deadly Desires" By Joyce Lavene & Jim Lavene: Review

Deadly Desires

BY  Joyce lavene & jim Lavene

Overview:

Deadly Desires is a buffet of delicious and unique recipes and the mysteries they came from by National Best-selling authors Joyce and Jim Lavene. From their first mystery series, Sharyn Howard Mysteries in 1999, the authors have been writing recipes into their books and adding to food blogs across the Internet.

Their series of mysteries include the Peggy Lee Garden Mysteries, Renaissance Faire Mysteries, Missing Pieces Mysteries, Pie in the Sky Mysteries (under the name Ellie Grant), Biscuit Bowl Mysteries and Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mysteries (under J.J. Cook), and The Retired Witches Spell Book Mysteries.

Each recipe contains a small vignette of the books and the characters they come from.

With a forward by the authors.

My Review:

Deadly Desires by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene is a quick read with some amazing recipes that I plan on trying.  I love the concept of stories with a recipe or two tied in, but this story has a recipe for every chapter/story within this book.  The recipe that I am most excited to try out is “Southern Whiskey Cake”.  Stories like these are great for those who love to read and cook, which I love both.

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

"A Twist of Date" (Better Date Than Never Series, Book #5) - By Susan Hatler: Review

A Twist of Date

(Better Date Then Never Series, Book #5)

(Audible Narrated by Martha Lee)

BY  Susan Hatler

Overview:

Melanie Porter has been dumped—again. When others accuse her of “being in love with being in love,” she agrees to let her best friend, Patti, step in and direct her dating life.

The Boyfriend Bylaws

Rule #1: No giving out your phone number until approved to do so.
Rule #2: Must obtain permission to accept any date invitation.
Rule #3: No bringing up marriage, kids or the future.
Rule #4: No going to first base without authorization.
Amended Rule #4: No going to first base, or any other base, without authorization.
Rule #5: No scribbling your first name with some guy’s last name. Ever.
Rule #6: New rules may be added as Patti Hartley deems necessary.
Memorize it, live by it, and happy dating!

My Review:

I received the Audible of “A Twist of 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 story, it had me laughing at the “Boyfriend Bylaws” and Melanie character struggling with both dating and the boyfriend bylaws.  Melanie’s story is relatable for some of us ladies as we love falling in love and sometimes miss the signs that the one we are falling in love with is not on the same page meaning…they are either just getting to know you phase or is only going out with you to have fun but nothing more.  The author captures the complex actions and feeling that go with dating, especially for those of us who are in love with being in love and getting hurt over and over again.

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

"The Law of Attraction" (Layyers in Love #1) By NM Silber - Review

The Law of Attraction (Lawyers in Love #1)

By NM Silber

Overview

Once upon a time two lawyers fell in love across a courtroom ...
Gabrielle Ginsberg was a public defender with plenty of nerve and Braden Pierce was an assistant district attorney with a whole lot of swagger. Gabrielle wanted Braden and Braden wanted Gabrielle.
And Cameron wanted Gabrielle.
And Marla wanted Braden.
And Cole wanted Gabrielle.
And Mrs. Mason wanted Braden.
And an anonymous letter writer wanted to keep Gabrielle and Braden apart.
Together Gabrielle and Braden discovered many important things, like which doors at the courthouse actually locked, and that desks could be useful for more than writing. They also found out that the path of love was not always smooth, and it was sometimes tread upon by some really wacky people, like a confused fanny grabber, an eighty-two year old pothead and a gentleman who threw a wine and cheese party in his pants. Could true love overcome a lack of privacy, interference by jealous rivals and the insanity of the criminal court system? 

My Review

This is the first book I have read by NM Silber and all I can say is WOW!!!!  “The Law of Attraction” had my attention from the very start.  Having a love story that involves a District Attorney and a Public Defender you know that there will be some dynamic “fire” between the two, especially in court.  I loved how this story unraveled and just when I thought how the story would end there was a curve ball thrown in and sent the story in a different direction, which made it unpredictable and I love that aspect.  I just recently finish an Associate Degree in Paralegal Assistant program and I could relate to some of the details of the story. I am definitely going to find other books written by this author!  I would recommend this book to those who love romance with a passion for the legal field (i.e Paralegals, Lawyers, Attorneys, Judges, and such). I absolutely loved reading this story.

"Always a Bridesmaid" (The Bridesmaid Series 2) - By Melinda Curtis - Review

Always a Bridesmaid (Bridesmaids #2)

By Melinda Curtis 

Overview

Nicole Edwards has walked down the aisle as a bridesmaid thirteen times! Thirteen times! In an effort to change her luck, this master baker plans to give up waiting for Jake – who doesn’t know she’s alive – sell her business in New York City, buy a food truck in Los Angeles, and find her own happily ever after.

Chef Sean O’Malley could use Nicole’s dessert skills at his restaurant in New York City. In fact, he’s banking on a joint venture with Nicole, although he hasn’t yet approached her about it. When he learns during a pre-wedding event they’re both working that she’s moving to L.A. because she’s giving up on Jake, he decides to give her a crash course on how to be noticed. Sean has, after all, three younger sisters. He knows how a woman’s mind works. But he doesn’t factor in how his heart works or how easily it could be broken.

The Bridesmaid Series (sweet romantic comedy):
Book 1: The Wedding Promise
Book 2: Always a Bridesmaid 

My Review

This is the first book I have read of Author Melinda Curtis and I enjoy the style of how the book is written. “Always a Bridesmaid” is like two love stories in one.  The two main characters with their individual personalities that sometimes clashed with each other made the story line more.  The soon to be bride, groom, and family make the other dynamic love story interesting.  I enjoy how the author revealed certain information at particular times, which makes it more real.  I also enjoyed that the story line revolved around a chef and a baker…Love story and food is a great combination.  I would recommend this book to everyone who loves a love story or two.

Author Link:

http://www.melindacurtis.com

"The Perfect Ingredient" (Dare Valley Series #7) -- By Ava Miles -- Review

Perfect Ingredient (Dare Valley #7)

By Ava Miles

Overview

Elizabeth Saunders is a woman of secrets, a rarity in small town Dare Valley. Her life hasn’t turned out like she expected after a tragedy forced her to flee her old life and hide her identity. Now she’s unmasked, hoping to put the past behind her—until the only man who ever captured her heart reappears.

Terrance Waters may look like a sexy Alpha Navy Seal, but he’s actually a celebrity chef. His star is rising with a new primetime TV reality cooking show until his dream hits a snag. His bad-boy image needs to be cleaned up. He’s arrived in Dare Valley to show the network how squeaky clean he can be, working as the head chef at Dare Valley’s famous hotel.

When Elizabeth and Terrance meet, he wants to pick up where they left off, but Elizabeth resists. Terrance is not a man to take no for an answer. Soon the sparks are flying, hotter than ever this time. But the danger from Elizabeth’s past appears, testing their newfound love and Terrance’s dreams of becoming an even bigger star. Can their love triumph over all?

My Review

Author Ava Miles book “Perfect Ingredient” is another book that integrates cooking and romance.  Chef T was an amazing character that develops through the book and it was amazing to learn his background and how he grew into what he has become.  I found Elizabeth’s history hard to read, because it is one of my greatest fears that would happen to me, but it was present well that added to the story.  This story had me laughing, holding my breath, hoping for a good turn of events, and shaking my head at some of the characters behaviors.  I loved Elizabeth and Chef T story and look forward to the next book in the 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."