Cold Shot (Chesapeake Valor #1) by Dani Pettrey

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet--until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern--a young social justice lawyer missing since spring--and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I really loved this book.  I am a fan of Dani Pettry and her books.  I love her writing style and I am always drawn into her books instantly.  It's hard to put them down.

This is the beginning of a new series which I'm really excited about.  Griffin is a complex character.  He's hiding things and holding a lot back but as the story progresses, the past unfurls itself.  I love how all the characters here are so intertwined and I love how I am progressively let into the loop.  It allowed me to know the characters and form my own opinions about them before knowing everything.  I loved Griffin.

This book is like a suspense mystery with a bit of romance.  The romance is slow forming and not the main focus, but it is there.  Finley is easy to like and smart.  I enjoyed watching things develop between her and Griffin.  It seemed natural and real.

Yup, I just enjoyed all things about this book.  I'm already looking forward to the next book.  It's going to be a looooong wait!

Cover Reveal for The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson + $25 Giveaway!

Coming soon from USA Today Bestselling Author Rachael Anderson

The Fall of Lord Drayson

Who is he really? A high and mighty Lord, or a lowly servant? When Colin Cavendish, the new earl of Drayson, informs Lucy Beresford that she and her mother have two months to vacate the house they've called home for the past two years, Lucy is fit to be tied.They have no money, no relations they can turn to for help, and nowhere to go. How dare the earl break the promise his father had made to the Beresfords without so much as a twinge of conscience? Mere hours later, Lucy discovers the earl unconscious and injured in the middle of the road. Grudgingly, she takes him into her home to tend to his wounds, but when he awakens with no recollection of who he is, Lucy seizes the opportunity to teach a much-needed lesson in humility. Pushing her own twinge of conscience aside, she informs the earl of Drayson that he is nothing more than a mere servant. Her servant, in fact. And thus begins the charming tale of a pompous lord and an impetuous young woman, caught together in a web so tangled that it begs the question: Will they ever get out?

 

Coming late-summer 2016

Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website

Cover Reveal Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Code or Paypal Cash Ends 2/17/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Perfect Kiss (Kissed by the Bay #2) by Susan Hatler

Olivia Lane wants to become the premiere event planner for Blue Moon Bay’s rich and famous. But first she has to impress Greta von Strand—millionaire and bestselling author of Men: Who Needs Them?—by pulling off a two-week luxury getaway for women. The retreat’s all about getting women to embrace their independence by nurturing themselves and each other, and Olivia, who’s never been lucky-in-love herself, is looking forward to it.

The retreat and Olivia’s goals hit a roadblock, however, when sweet-talking firefighter, Brody Mitchell, and his smoking hot friends take up residence at the mansion next door. Now, she must successfully keep Greta and the other women away from their male neighbors, fight her attraction to Brody, and pull off the retreat of a lifetime in one fell swoop.

It’s a battle of the sexes she’s determined to win, otherwise she could lose everything—including her heart.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Reading books by Susan Hatler is a bit like hanging out with an old friend.  I've never actually met Susan, but her books are like friends to me; her writing style familiar.  I love the moment of anticipation when I get to settle in with a new novel written by Susan just for me.  ;)

This is the second book in the Kissed by the Bay series.  The books are independent of each other but you will find characters from the first book in the second.  They will be more familiar to you if you read the books in order, but you surely do not need to.

Men:  Who Needs Them?  This totally makes me laugh because all these women are at a retreat that revolves around a book titled Men: Who Needs Them and yet most all of them are all gooey eyed, weak kneed women who need those men in their lives.  Said women are very, very good at finding reasons (or excuses) to have said men around while still maintaining they don't need them.  It's so funny.

Olivia is trying so desperately to find success in her new business.  She has so much riding on the retreat she has planned and things just keep going awry.  Poor Olivia.  But, you can't feel too bad for her for too long because one of her distractions is the smoking hot, all man next door who doesn't keep his attraction to her a secret.  Yeah.  Who needs that?!  

I loved the sparks going every which way in this book.  I loved coming full circle to the end.  This was a fun book that gave me goosies and made me smile.  I am loving this series!  Can't wait to see what comes next!  

Content:  clean

A Cupcake Christmas (Touchstone Series #5) (A Christmas Elf Romance) by Beth Barany

What if you risked losing your baking legacy by cooking up a love truly special?

Florian MacMillian needs a final job to complete his baking resume—preferably a job where he’s unlikely to blow things up with his unruly magic—before returning to the North Pole and taking his rightful place as Master Baker to all the elves.

Kate Delore desperately needs help in her fast-growing cupcake business. Florian is a perfect fit, so she brings him on as baker. For a short time, Florian is happily up to his elbows in batter, and Kate’s business is booming.

But when things heat up between them, Florian wonders if he should risk his legacy to cook up something truly special.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

If you are looking for a quick romantic read with a touch of magic- you might want to check this one out.  Be warned though: don't read while hungry.  You will be craving all kinds of cupcakes.

I haven't read any other books by this author and this is the fifth book in this Touchstone series.  I got a glimpse of some other characters that might have been in previous books, but I don't think that made any difference in reading this book.  It can stand alone.

The whole premise for this book is fun.  Elf falls in love with cupcake girl.  He must choose between her and his magic.  Unfortunately, I didn't feel the chemistry between Florian and Kate.  I read about it, but I just didn't feel it.  The connection between me and the characters was missing.  My tummy never got the flutters, my heart never pounded.  I was  never dying to know what came next.  Everything was cute, it just fell a little flat for me.  I read this right on the heels of a fun, romantic book that did give me flutters and heart palpitations and I just couldn't put it down so I cannot help but compare the two.

Florian and Kate jump into bed together pretty quickly after knowing each other only a few days.  Their sexual relationship is not described in any detail but you know it happens.  Other than this, the book is clean.

I loved the setting.  I grew up with Oakland and San Francisco in my backyard so reading about it was a bit like going home.  I love San Francisco.  I also loved the cupcake aspect.  Those cupcakes sounded so yummy!

Kissed by a Cowboy (Four of Hearts Ranch #3) by Debra Clopton

Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . not for a cowboy to steal her heart.

Having lived through her parents’ endless string of “matrimonial bliss gone wrong,” Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She’s been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she’s inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She’ll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt’s footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.

Rancher Jarrod Monahan’s hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He’s pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that’s a challenge that Jarrod can’t pass up.

Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy’s stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy’s kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I always look forward to reading books by Debra Clopton.  This is a fun series and I am loving it.  This series is about brothers, sticking together, working together and saving their ranch.  There is such a sense of home and family in these books.  And who can resist a handsome cowboy?

For Cassidy and Jarrod, this is a story of re-connection and a second chances.  Jarrod sees Cassidy as his second chance at love and happiness.  Cassidy views her return as a second chance at happiness and independence- without love.  Cassidy is super stubborn when it comes to love but I can't help but be impressed with her hard work and vision.  Jarrod's drive and determination to show Cassidy he is her forever is so endearing.  He is one patient man.  I love how he always tries to help and support Cassidy in her dreams and doesn't try to detract from what she is trying to accomplish.

It is always fabulous to see previous book characters show up as sort of a side continuation.  I love seeing good things happen for the characters I came to love in previous books.

This book is Christian fiction.  There are some elements of religion.  It is clean all the way around.  This title will be released on Feb. 9th.

Royal Chase by Sariah Wilson

Booking her client, Prince Dante of Monterra, on reality show Marry Me is a royal coup for PR agent Lemon Beauchamp. But thanks to a last-minute glitch, Lemon must pretend to be one of the contestants vying to win the playboy prince’s love and then live happily ever after—at least until the publicity tour ends.

Prince Dante agreed to go on the show to find a wife, even though he already has the perfect candidate in mind. She’s smart, funny, sexy, and completely uninterested in wealth and fame. She’s also absolutely determined to keep him at arm’s length.

Even if Lemon weren’t already engaged, she can’t trust a notorious flirt like Dante. So she ignores the lingering looks. Those subtle, thrilling touches. That pulse-quickening kiss. Until suddenly, Lemon isn’t playing for the cameras. She’s lovestruck for real, and just maybe, the man behind the title is the one who’s always been in her heart.…

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I loved this book.  I've been waiting and watching for this book to come out ever since I finished the first book in this series (Royal Date).  Sariah Wilson just nails it.  For me, anyway.  

This book has all the things I absolutely love in a romance.  Romantic tension- oh boy was there romantic tension.  The attraction was driving ME crazy!  The witty dialogue and laugh out loud funny moments- there were so many of those.  I loved Lemon's sense of humor.  And the kissing?  Um, yeah.  It was good.  Good may be an understatement.  A very powerful understatement.  Even the not kissing but close to kissing scenes were off the charts.  Yum.

This is set up as a reality dating show.  Much like the Bachelor.  It was the main setting, but that never overshadowed the personal fireworks going on between Dante and Lemon.  I dare you not to fall in love with Dante.  That man has some lines and some moves.  Of course, it helps to have oodles of money to work with.  <sigh>  

This book was so happy to me.  I read it through in one day and nothing else got done.  It was one of those books for me.  I want to go read it again right now.  

Content:  some talk of men cheating on women, steamy kissing but clean!  No sexual scenes or swearing.

My thanks to Montlake Romance for providing a copy of the book for review.

Double Play by Ranee S. Clark + $25 and Book Giveaway!

Sophie Pope is devastated when she hears the news: her former boyfriend, college football star Anthony "Rocket" Rogers, is engaged to be married. Determined to win him back before he says I do, Sophie hatches a foolproof plan to stop the wedding. But when Rocket's best man, aspiring baseball player David Savage, thwarts her plot, she realizes the game is up. For David, though, it s just beginning . . .

David knows that Sophie is just another pretty face, and he's more than happy to save his best friend from her shallow advances. She's not his type at all, so he's baffled by his response to an awkward encounter with Donovan, another of Sophie's former flames. Despite himself, David feels driven by an inexplicable need to protect her. Pretending to be Sophie's new fiancé leads to unexpected sparks between the pair, and soon they're searching for excuses to spend time together. But when a curveball threatens to send them in opposite directions, will Sophie and David step up to the plate for the possibility of true love?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I was so excited to read this book.  I love the first book in this series, Playing for Keeps, and I love Ranee Clark's writing style.

Sophie makes quite an impression in the first book.  I wasn't her biggest fan and I was a bit nervous and a bit curious to see how the author would spin this book so I would love Sophie.  Getting in Sophie's head surely helped that process along.  Sophie grew on me throughout the book as I felt I understood her better.

David though?  He is the hero star of the show.  Even though he makes a couple mistakes, he is so kind to Sophie.  He really is the sure thing against Sophie's up and down.  I loved David.  Oh, and I love that he has a heart for baseball.  I love baseball!

It was also good to see the characters of the previous book making their way through wedding preparations.  It was nice to have them included in this book.  Old friends and all that.  

I read through this book so quickly.  It was easy to settle in with and I loved reading it.

This is an LDS fiction book with religious elements.  Clean!

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The Matchup by Laura L. Walker

The last thing Valerie wants or needs is to work for Gage, whom she loathed as a teen. But Valerie’s husband just walked out on her and she needs the job. Together they discover that when it comes to the Church and each other, it’s all about second chances. This sweet LDS romance will renew your faith in love and redemption.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I first have to say that I liked this book much better than I liked the first book I read by this author.  This is a companion novel to the first book, Pierced by Love, but it can stand alone.  The main characters of these two books are brothers.

This is an LDS fiction book with some elements very specific to the LDS religion.  If you aren't familiar with the LDS religion you may be a bit confused.

Valerie and Gage have a history.  When they were young, Gage teased Valerie and hurt her.  She hated him.  Now they are all grown up and have a run in at the store.  Their meeting is strained but after a few run in's, somehow Gage convinces Valerie that he needs her help with his son.  Valerie is hesitant, but agrees.

Both Valerie and Gage are dealing with a lot in their personal lives.  Big changes, hearts that are hurting and mixed feelings about each other.  Despite all the personal drama, I never felt bogged down in it.  The thread of hope was always there, pushing the characters forward.  This is a story of forgiveness and faith.  It is a story of finding your way back to God and family.

The Billionaire Bride Pack Romance Series: The Resilient One by Cami Checketts and The Passionate One by Jeanette Lewis

The Resilient One by Cami Checketts

Alyssa Armsworth, a world-renowned photographer, has no intentions of honoring the Billionaire Bride Pact she made as a teenager to avoid getting her bra hung from the camp flagpole. Marriage is the last thing on her to-do list and when her father forces his wealthy friends on her, she runs to Maui.

She plans to lay low, take some great pictures, and eat fresh fish--until Beckham Taylor arrives. Stuck in the same hotel and spending days on the white sand with the handsome ex-NHL star wouldn't be all that bad except Alyssa's done something in the past that Beckham could never forgive. Before she can confess, her misdeeds are thrust onto the front cover of a well-known magazine. Alyssa must overcome her fears or live without Beckham.

 * Amazon  * Goodreads *

I'm so excited to be a part of reviewing this awesome new series!  Old friends make a pact at summer camp when they are young.  This series follows them as they each find love.  

Cami Checketts is one of my favorites so any day I get to read one of her books is a good day for me.  Cami, to me, is know for bringing just a bit of suspense to her books.  It's what sets her apart in the romance genre.  The suspense isn't overwhelming or the focus, but it is there enough to keep you wondering and anxious.

Alyssa is hiding.  Hawaii is her escape and her refuge.  Or, at least it is supposed to be.  Beckham rolls in and disrupts her sanctuary, setting off a chain of events that come crashing in.  This book kept me reading, pushing forward because I just had to know.  I loved it.  The characters, the setting, the story- it was all fantastic.  LOVE!

Content:  Clean!  some references to unwanted sexual advances, attempted rape

I also read the next book as part of this review post, so here is the next book in the series:

The Passionate One by Jeanette Lewis
As the creator of the Billionaire Bride Pact, Erin Parker is determined to see it through. And now that wealthy, gorgeous Brennan Avery has been cast as her costar in a play destined for Broadway, things couldn’t be better. But Erin’s best friend, Matt Walters, isn’t ready to give up on her. He has a plan to escape the friend zone and prove to Erin that there are more important things than money and fame.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

If the rest of the books in this series are as good as the first two, I am going to be a very happy girl.  I love this series so far!

This book is all about Erin.  No really.  It is ALL about Erin.  Which leaves me to repeat the same mantra over and over in my head:  "Poor Matt.  Poor, poor Matt"  Erin has him wrapped around her little finger.  Over and over and over.  Did I mention the "poor Matt" thing yet?  This makes Matt the clear underdog so of course I am rooting for him to get some happy.  He is a poor sap.  Or very tenacious.  One or the other.  Or, maybe a bit of both.  Regardless, I really liked Matt.  He is kind above everything else.

Erin will grow on you.  She has a clear idea of what her life is going to be like and she slowly, slowly learns that maybe it isn't so clear after all.  Erin is fun and adventurous.  She is vivacious and has a distinct personality.  But she is really self centered and doesn't extent herself outward much.  She doesn't really think about other people and how they are feeling.  It was good to see her mind shift- slowly but surely.

Even though I was frustrated by both these character for different reasons, everything came together in a way that left me satisfied in the end.  It was a fun story!

Content:  clean

Broken Things to Mend (Power of the Matchmaker series) by Karey White

Celia is in desperate need of a change--a change of scenery, a change of pace, and a complete redo of all relationships. Not knowing what else to do, she opens a map, closes her eyes, and lets fate decide her future. Then she packs her meager belongings and buys a one-way ticket to a little town on the fringes of Oregon's Deschutes National Forest called Sisters. She's wanted a family for years. Will she find one in Sisters? What Celia doesn't plan to find is a strange Chinese woman whose meddling ways keep throwing her in the path of a handsome, but reserved, forest ranger. But no matter how kind or dependable Silas seems to be, there are some things in Celia's past that neither of them can escape, and this time, the damage might be too much to mend.

   

This is the beginning of a series I am really, really looking forward to.  And what a great beginning it is!  This is the first book in the Power of the Matchmaker series.  Every book in this series is by a different author and each book can stand alone but each has a common character and a common theme.  The prequel novella to this series is called Power of the Matchmaker and that is the only book I would suggest before starting this series.  It introduces you to a Chinese matchmaker who will play a role in every book to come.

Karey White is a talented writer and I have enjoyed reading her books.  She starts thing off just right with this book, Broken Things to Mend.

My heart took to both Celia and Silas right away.  They were broken but strong and I loved them both.  My heart was invested in them individually and together.  Their stories were personable and felt real to me.  All the best of elements to have in a book.  As a reader, I'm always looking for real connections to characters and stories.

I read through this book quickly and in the end let out a big sigh of satisfaction and relief.  It made my heart happy.  I cannot wait to see what is coming next in this series!  One of my all time favorites (Rachael Anderson!!) is up next month.  Woot!  This is going to be a fun year for reviewing!

Content:  some talk of rape and abuse, drug addiction, but not in great detail.

  

Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

      Blog Tour Giveaway - $50 Amazon Gift Card or $50 in Paypal Cash Ends 2/2/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A Light in the Dark (Fallout #2) by Becky Doughty

On stage, Tish Ransome sings about heartache and passion, betrayal, and about love gone wrong… but she knows very little about any of it in real life. The rockstar princess who swears like a pirate—literally—is loved and adored by family, friends, and fans alike, and her world is filled with good things, her future bright.

Behind the scenes, however, trouble is brewing. When Tom, her best friend and co-founder of the Marauders, tells her he's leaving the band after graduation, Tish must find a new wingman to step into Tom's hard-to-fill shoes. The moment she hears Sebastian Jeffries play, she knows he's the one.
Yet with Sebastian comes a taste of the things Tish only writes about, and she can't resist the lure of the tortured artist. Sebastian, likewise, is drawn to Tish's brilliance, but like a moth that hovers too close to the flames, is he killing himself just to be near her? Can Tish save Sebastian before it's too late, or will he pull her down into the darkness with him?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Clean Teen Publishing *

I think I am a bit obsessed.  Okay, I am.  I know I am.  This series!  Ugh.  I want to eat it up.  I do pretty much eat it up.  I start reading and then I just cannot stop.  This is frustrating on those days that I cannot just sit and read continuously and it's so annoying to have to stop.  And start.  And stop.  And start.

If you read this story, here is my caution:  prepare for your heart to be yanked around like a yo-yo.  

One of the reasons I liked this book was that it was more than just a romance.  There were meatier issues to be dealt with and love on all of it's levels.  For that same reason, I was a bit frustrated because the tension and attraction was always there between Tish and Sebastian but it rarely had firework moments.  Okay, yes.  I mean kissing.  I wanted more of that between them.  The underlying, pulsing tension was always there though, just begging to get out.  There was more kissing between the wrong two people than there was the right two people.

Having said that, I could not help but be literally dragged into the world of Tish and Sebastian.  There are so many hints at what Sebastian is doing or dealing with but you just can't get a clear view of it in it's entirety until it explodes at the end.  Oh my heart.  I love books that get my heart involved.  It takes me to a new level of reading.

This was another fantastic addition to the Fallout Series by Becky Doughty.  She is one of my new favorites and I'm ever so anxiously awaiting to see what comes next!  Please hurry.  :)

Content:  some violence, kissing, bar and drinking scenes

My Wicked Half Sister (Someone Else's Fairytale #4) by E.M. Tippetts

Chloe never set out to be famous, but her marriage to Hollywood A-lister, Jason Vanderholt, has made her a celebrity by association. Jealous and nosy fans heckle her in public and the tabloids portray her as cold, arrogant, and unworthy of her husband. As bad as that is, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.

Her brother, Chris, is being paroled from prison, where he has been serving a time for shooting and nearly killing Chloe when she was a child. This is not a situation that she wants splashed all over the headlines, especially because this could incite her brother to try to finish the job.

While her movie star husband and in-laws do their best to be understanding, the only people who really know Chloe’s situation are her scatterbrained mother and her half-sister, Beth. Chloe’s mother has made a mess of her personal life again and is in no condition to help her daughter. Beth is Chris’s full sister, and family loyalty dictates that she side with him.

But when a string of crimes occurs all across town that appear tied to Chris, Beth sets out to hunt him down and bring him to justice. Chloe isn’t the only one in mortal danger, now, and if Beth comes to harm while fighting for her, Chloe doesn’t know how she’ll ever forgive herself.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * iBooks * B&N * Kobo *

I love this series.  It's one of my favorites because it is engaging and keeps up an even pace.  The characters are familiar to me now and I'm invested in them and their happiness.  I think you probably could read this book as a stand alone, but I don't think it will be as good as if you started from the beginning.

Chloe and Jason are good together.  They've been through a lot of things and they work hard at taking care of each other.  That's what I like best about them.  They are figuring things out together.  Jason especially really steps up in this book and works hard to put Chloe first and be there for her.  Chloe has a lot of big life things happening and she is trying hard to take care of the people she loves but honestly, she has a pretty messed up family and it's sort of crazy!  Chloe is strong even in her moments of weakness- and she does have those- which helps me to relate and empathize with her.

This series sort of reminds me of a soap opera.  Especially this episode.  :)  It has a hint of danger and suspense, tons of family drama- who do you trust?  Old enemies, new allies, and behind it all a sweet continuing romance between a girl and her famous husband.  

This book was easy to read.  I read through it quickly and enjoyed all my minutes with these characters.  I'm glad to be a part of the review team for this book and I thank WordSmith Publicity for the review copy.  

Emily Mah Tippetts writes science fiction as Emily Mah and sweet romance as E.M. Tippetts. A lifelong New Mexican, she lives with her family in Santa Fe, though she's been known to spend years at a time in the UK, her second home. Aside from being a writer, she's been a lawyer and jeweler, and is currently a stay at home mother, polymer clay artist, book designer/formatter, and owner of E.M. Tippetts Book Designs.

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Mercer Street (American Journey #2) by John A. Heldt

Weeks after her husband dies in the midst of an affair in 2016, Chicago writer Susan Peterson, 48, seeks solace on a California vacation with her mother Elizabeth and daughter Amanda. The novelist, however, finds more than she bargained for when she meets a professor who possesses the secret of time travel. Within days, the women travel to 1938 and Princeton, New Jersey. Elizabeth begins a friendship with her refugee parents and infant self, while Susan and Amanda fall for a widowed admiral and a German researcher with troubling ties. Filled with poignancy, heartbreak, and intrigue, MERCER STREET gives new meaning to courage, sacrifice, and commitment as it follows three strong-willed souls on the adventure of a lifetime.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I've been reading John Heldt books for a long time.  It's time travel and it's historical fiction all wrapped up in one.  I love historical fiction and it's one of the things I love best about John Heldt's books.  He knows how to include so many historical events into his books and make things come alive that way.

In this edition, we get to travel with three ladies back to 1938 in New Jersey.  Each lady represents a generation in her family.  The beginning was really slow going for me.  Elizabeth, Susan and Amanda are basically the same person just in different stages of life.  They have the same personalities and the same voice.  It took moving farther into the book for me to be able to distinguish them by their circumstances.  All three were no nonsense, to the point blunt, educated and headstrong.  I didn't really click with their personalities so it was harder for me to make that personal connection and really feel emotions.

The history, like I said, is what makes this book for me.  There was so much going on in the time period these ladies traveled to.  The world on the brink of war, a world's fair, baseball greats, full service gas stations (!!) and an alien invasion.  Each woman in the book has her own reasons for traveling through time back to the past and I think, in the end, they end up achieving their goals even if they came about in an unexpected way.

Content:  drinking, talk about visiting a strip club, a few instances of profanity and mild swearing, sex behind closed doors, an affair.

Twelve Days in December (A Hearthfire Romance) by Michele Paige Holmes

Five months isn’t enough time to grieve the death of her husband and marry again, but when the unexpected opportunity to take her sister’s place as the bride of wealthy New York businessman, William Vancer, presents itself, twenty-four year-old Charlotte Holbrook agrees. Their marriage of convenience will provide a secure future for her son, while William will be able to claim the inheritance he needs to expand his company westward.

To begin their perfect and perfectly safe arrangement, William allots the last twelve days in December to become acquainted with his new family—a task more easily accomplished than he had imagined. For in Charlotte he finds a tender heart and companion, while stepping into the role of father to her son, brings William a great measure of joy as well. Before the twelve days have passed, he finds himself wishing their marriage of convenience could be something much more.

For Charlotte, every day with William is one of overwhelming gratitude, as he anticipates and provides for her needs, as well as the fondest desires of her heart. More than material comforts, William offers friendship as well, and a loving concern that Charlotte has gone too long without. Guilt ridden, she struggles with her growing attraction and wonders how she can ever remain loyal to her first husband, while allowing herself to love William as he deserves.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I was so excited to read this novella.  After the last book, Marrying Christopher, I really wanted to know what happened to William and Charlotte.  I wanted so badly a happily ever after for them both.

This is a novella in the Hearthfire Romance series.  I really think you need to read the previous books to fully feel and understand these characters, but reading Marrying Christopher is the most important.

I loved the feelings that came shining through so clearly in this book.  The desperation, resignation, insecurities and hope were all so clear and almost tangible.  I found myself chanting in my head, "come on, come on, come on..."  I guess I was almost desperate for them to get that happy ending (or beginning) that I was hoping for.

William is one of the most kind and generous people ever.  He wants to be loved and love in return.  His history has made him insecure but that hope is always there.  It is his consistent friendship and kindness that create a safe place for Charlotte to relax into and work through her guilt and confusion.  I love that.

One of the best moments for me was when Charlotte steps up to protect and defend William and by so doing gives something to William that he couldn't give himself.  It was the turning point for Charlotte and I really felt that.

I loved this little story.  It was so satisfying!  Love, love, loved it.  

Content:  Clean

When Love Matters Most by Kate James + $40 and Book Giveaway!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Now More Readily Available in Print

This is an exciting time for Harlequin Heartwarming. Thanks to the loyalty of our readers, for the first time, our January releases, including When Love Matters Most, are available as mass-market paperbacks through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Harlequin.com. Also, When Love Matters Most will be available in select Walmart stores in the United States in February! Please check the Harlequin website for the location nearest you. Thank you to all our readers who made these advancements possible for us!

— Kate

When Love Matters Most

(K-9 Trilogy #2)
by Kate James
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
January 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Keeping her safe at all costs

Could their backgrounds be any more different? Rick Vasquez, a K-9 unit sergeant with the San Diego Police Department, fled drug-related violence in Mexico as a boy. Madison Long, who recently became primary veterinarian to the SDPD's canines, is the privileged daughter of a judge. Rick has dedicated his life to curtailing cross-border drug trafficking and preventing other young boys from being drawn into the dark world of the cartels.

But everything Rick and Madison value, and the growing love between them, is threatened by the dangers of Rick's job, and the risks he's determined to take…

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin

Have I ever mentioned how much I love the Harlequin Heartwarming line?  Perhaps once or twice maybe?  Yeah, I'm a fan of both Harlequin Heartwarming and Kate James.  I'm really enjoying this K-9 series.  "When Love Matters Most" is the second book in this trilogy and it was another hit for me.

I really fell in love with Rick.  He turned the heartbreaking start to his life into something beautiful.  Rick is a strong protector.  His choices are influenced by his own past and it leads him to be compassionate and make a difference in the lives of those who really need him.  I love the addition of the K-9 dogs into the story.  It brings an added element of loyalty and bonding and helps these characters seem more human.

Madison starts the book in one place, thinking she has things figured out, but ends in another place realizing that perhaps there is more than black or white to each story.  It was a good remind to me to remember that there is usually more to a story than what I first hear.  It's easy to get wrapped up in my own little world and forget how many people there are out there who could use some kindness and help.

Overall, this was a good book.  I enjoyed it from beginning to end.  It was good to get to know Rick and Madison and also to see the characters from the previous book in this series.  I'm looking forward to the next book!

Kate James spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result, Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word. Her writing has been recognized with a number of awards, including first place honors for Silver Linings in both the First Coast Romance Writers’ Published Beacon Contest and Ancient City Romance Authors’ Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award. Her November 2014 Harlequin Heartwarming release, A Child’s Christmas, received first-place honors from Southern Magic, the Birmingham Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, for the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, placed second in the Ancient City Romance Authors’ Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award, and was a finalist in RWA’s Desert Rose Chapter’s Golden Quill Award and the Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence. Finally, her October 2015 release, When the Right One Comes Along, the first book in her K-9 trilogy, has received a Best Book of 2015 award in the contemporary category.

She and her husband, Ken, enjoy traveling and the outdoors with their beloved Labrador Retrievers, Harley and Logan.

Kate would love to hear from you! You can connect with her by e-mail, through her website, her Facebook page, Twitter, or mail at PO Box 446, Schomberg, ON, L0G 1T0, Canada.

Tour Schedule

January 4th: Launch
January 5th: Katie's Clean Book Collection

January 6th: Becky on Books & Sunrise Avenue

January 7th: Reading Is My SuperPower & Singing Librarian Books

January 8th: Getting Your Read On & deal sharing aunt

January 10th: Colorimetry & I Am A Reader

January 11th: Mel's Shelves & Slice of Life

January 12th: Thoughts of a Blonde & Falling Leaves

January 13th: underneath the covers & Teatime and Books

January 14th: Rockin' Book Reviews

January 15th: Enthralling Dimple & Love, Laughter, Friendship

January 17th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- $40 Amazon eGift Card & signed copies of The Truth About Hope and When the Right One Comes Along
- 3 winners of signed copies of When the Right One Comes Along
Open US/CAN only
Ends January 23rd

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Keeper of the Stars (Kings Meadow Romance #3) by Robin Lee Hatcher

She blames him for her brother's death. Can she let go of resentment and open her heart to love?

Penny Cartwright found it difficult to understand why her younger brother would choose to join a country singer’s band rather than return to Kings Meadow after college . . . and the separation strained their relationship. Then a car accident made certain her brother could never return.

Trevor Reynolds has chased stardom in Nashville for more than a dozen years, but it remains out of his reach. After an accident kills his young drummer, Trevor goes to Kings Meadow to keep a promise—and perhaps to discover what truly matters in this life.

Thrown together by circumstances, Penny and Trevor must learn to give and receive forgiveness. And if they do, perhaps something beautiful can rise from the ashes of heartbreak.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I picked this book up on NetGalley because I was drawn to the story from the blurb.  Well, the blurb and the cover.  It is the third book in this King's Meadow series, but each book can stand alone and is not dependent on the other.

Penny is battling resentment and hurt and those things can make any person act ugly sometimes.  Penny definitely has her ugly moments but she can only resist Trevor Reynolds for so long.  He is always there and always proving her wrong so she has no choice but to battle the demons of the unexpected loss of her brother.  

For me, Trevor and Penny's dad stole the show.  I loved Trevor's journey toward better things and how he was so patient in the journey.  He didn't expect changes overnight, he just remained consistent and allowed himself time.  Penny's dad was the kindest of the kind.  He is what I hope to be one day.  Solid, generous and did I mention kind?

It does seem to me that Trevor and Penny would need to talk the whole accident and brother going to Nashville thing out a little more than they did.  It seemed the resolution was a bit glossed over especially when Penny acted so nasty at times, but overall I enjoyed this story and it's characters.  I liked the flashes back to Penny's brother.  It really helped me gain a sense of who he was and why he did what he did.

This is a Christian fiction book so it was filled with talk about God.  It is clean and the romance is slow evolving and sweet.

An Unexpected Wedding (Treasured Dreams #5) by Susan Hatler

Instead of being an excited bride-to-be, Holly’s frazzled beyond belief as she tries to plan her wedding. Her fiancé, Dave, says whatever she wants works for him, but she can’t get her mom and soon-to-be mother-in-law to so much as agree on a date.

The worst part is that her dad passed away four years ago, and she’s heartbroken he won’t be walking her down the aisle.

Holly begins to accept the wedding is doomed, but then an unexpected surprise reminds her why she’s getting married in the first place.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Oh hello, Holly.  

I loved being back with you for 24 pages.  You have the sweetest man to love you.  Dave is all that and a box of chocolates too.  Seriously?  Can he do no wrong?!  You are one lucky girl.  Every single time I step into your world, however briefly, I am reminded how love should really be and I step out with my heart filled with a little more happy.  I can't wait to see what comes next!  Until then~

Aimee