Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson

 

A modern-day Ohio woman and a seventeenth-century Scottish laird fall in love at first sight in a magical holiday romance by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love.

Maren Kelly and her friend Penny may be lost in the Scottish Highlands, yes. They may be caught in the blizzard of the century, sure. But despite their dire straits, Maren is going to honor her ailing mother’s wish for them to experience all the magic, mystery, and whimsy Scotland has to offer, even if she freezes to death trying. When they’re rescued by the dashing Duncan Campbell, who seems like he walked straight out of the seventeenth century, Maren is more than a wee bit bewildered.

Their shelter is Duncan’s castle in Highglen, a captivating village that feels somehow familiar…as does the laird himself. Brimming with holiday cheer and friendly, boisterous family members, Highglen is a safe haven in the frigid winter storm. Maybe it’s the carolers and the warm hearth—or Duncan’s comforting brogue and stolen kisses—but Maren feels as though she’s come home. And in Duncan, she may have found her long-awaited soulmate.

But is this a miracle that could last a lifetime?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Ahhhh!!  I absolutely LOVE Brigadoon.  It's one of my all time favorite musicals and this book was one gigantic nod to the classic film.  If you have never seen Brigadoon, you might think that this story is unrealistic and the insta love might drive you nuts.  BUT.  If you have watched Brigadoon and loved it, then you are going to LOVE this story.  And also, if you haven't watched Brigadoon, you should.  It's magical and wonderful and lovely.  

This novella had tons of Scottish Christmas, New Year and wedding traditions.  It was full of family and friends, celebrating and being together.  That Duncan was swoony and had the BEST lines in the story.  SAAAAWOOOON!  Every time I would come across a nod to the film, I would smile because it seriously made me happy.

I loved being swept up into a magical story.  It was unrealistic, just like the movie, fluffy and romantic.  It felt like the perfect escape.  It was nostalgic and new at the same time.  I'm singing right along with Gene Kelly right now, It's Almost Like Being in Love.  🎵  I think I'll  go watch the show now. 

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson

 

 

Rachel Vinson is a bridesmaid for hire: part confidante, part wedding planner, and one hundred percent pretend BFF. Discretion guaranteed. Her next gig is a destination wedding—livestreamed and sponsored—for an Instagram influencer. That means a paradise of new contacts, which could be a boon to her already booming business. If Rachel can keep the very handsome and slightly too interested best man at bay, that is.

High-tech entrepreneur Camden Lewis must know: Who is this gorgeous, intelligent, and mysterious woman? Too good to be real. Convinced she’s a corporate spy out to tank his company, Camden’s not letting her out of his sight. But the constant surveillance is also opening his eyes to things about Rachel that he likes. If she’s a spy, she’s certainly the cutest one he’s ever seen.

As the week’s worth of wedding events march along, Rachel and Camden are learning almost everything there is to know about each other. Rachel’s made a career out of always a bridesmaid…but perhaps there’s a chance for her own trip down the aisle? 

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

 

I always feel so lucky when I get to read a book by Sariah Wilson.  Especially when I get an early copy!  I know that I am going to get a book with fantastic characters and plenty of humor and romance.  Her books always hit my sweet spot!

 

This book has such a great set up.  First, tropical location.  Yes.  I was wishing all the way through that I was there too.  Second, Rachel has a top secret job: paid bridesmaid.  It sure makes it difficult when the hot best man is flirting with you but also has his spidey senses going off.  Because, yeah.  Something IS going on but Rachel can't tell him.  See?  It's a great set up and such a unique job for Rachel.  It all felt very fresh.

 

There was great build up with the characters and great chemistry too.  The flirting was fun and it made me smile.   Also, the kissing.  Oh!  And the ending.  <swoon>  So good.  What a lovely diversion.

 

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson

 

The movie star and the dog groomer are one kiss away from the perfect love story. That’s the hiccup in a warm and witty romance by the bestselling author of Roommaid.

The meet-cute award goes to dog groomer Juliet Nolan. It’s one of Hollywood’s biggest nights when she volunteers as a seat filler and winds up next to movie heartthrob Noah freaking Douglas. Tongue tied and toes curling in her pink Converse, she pretends that she doesn’t have a clue who he is. It’s the only way to keep from swooning.

She’s pretty and unpretentious, loves his dog, and is not a worshipping fan. No way Noah’s giving up on her, even if his affectionate pursuit comes with a bump: Juliet has a pathological fear of kissing and the disappointments that follow. What odds does romance have without that momentous, stupendous, once-in-a-lifetime first smooch? Patient, empathetic, and carrying personal burdens of his own, Noah suggests a remedy: they rehearse.

The lessons begin. The guards come down. But there’s another hitch they weren’t betting on. As for that cue-the-orchestra-and-roll-credits happy ending? It might take more than practice to make it perfect.

* Amazon * Goodreads *

Oh, wow.  Wowza.  Wowza yumma stuff.  Loads of it.  So, so good.  Swoony everything.  I'm having a problem with full and complete sentences, obviously.

The banter?  Yeah, top notch.  The buildup?  Two thumbs up.  The kissing?  Get my fan and a cold glass of lemonade.  No joke.  This story was SO. MUCH. YUM.  Sigh.  I want to go back and read it again right now.  I probably should since I read through it so quickly.  That happens when you can't put it down.  And yeah, now I have a book hangover which is also what happens when you have a book like this.  It's hard to move on.

So yeah, read this book.  Carve out some time so you don't have to put it down and be angry at the people around you for living and mistakenly assuming you want to leave your book world for the other world we live in.  Just giving you a head's up.

Content:  PG-13 intimacies (kissing, making out)

- I received a complimentary copy of this book but have since bought my own copy. 😍

Just a Boyfriend (End of the Line #2) by Sariah Wilson

 

Ian “Bash” Sebastian and Ember Carlson were high school sweethearts…until their single parents got married. With one thorny twist of fate, a secret young crush went from on fire to off-limits. What could a new stepbrother do but bail? Now, after almost four years, Bash has returned to Seattle, and he’s back in Ember’s orbit at End of the Line. EOL is the go-to college for second-chance scholarships. But what about love?

Sure, the old hurts are there. So is the attraction—and it’s more magnetic than ever. Still, they’re adults now, levelheaded and just fine with the friend thing. If only to make family dinners less awkward. But when they agree to start dating other people, moving on threatens to bring them closer together than ever.

Is it time to admit their past to their parents? Even trickier, their hope for the future? Because Ember and Bash deserve a love story of their own. With all their defenses down, can they make it a happy ever after?

  * Amazon * Goodreads *

It's always a happy day with a happy dance when I get to read a new Sariah Wilson book!  And that's what this book made me- happy, happy, happy.  It was flirty and fun but not without it's more serious issues.  The characters do struggle a bit with outside issues and they also struggle between themselves but it never became greater or more oppressive  than the love and attractions swirling around them from the very beginning.  Have I ever mentioned how much I love swirling love and attractions?  Yum.  Sariah Wilson does this sort of thing very well.

I first met Bash in the previous book in this series.  I knew he was going to be a fun character to delve into.  Ember and Bash have a very interesting relationship and history.  It makes for some equally awkward and heart warming situations.  I really enjoyed reading this one- it was just what I needed.  I smiled and I swooned.  See?  Happy.

This is the second book in this series but can stand alone.  You might be happier if you read the first book (The Friend Zone) though.  The characters from that book do appear in this book.  

Content:  kissing, making out.  Some light innuendo.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Friend Zone by Sariah Wilson

Disgraced college quarterback Logan Hunt was on his way to NFL stardom when he messed up big-time. Now the Texas star player with a bad temper has a new option: Seattle’s EOL College—as in End of the Line, to his fellow misfit recruits. It’s Logan’s last chance. If he can follow the rules. No parties, no fighting, no swearing, and oh, no dating the coach’s daughter, Jess. Simple. Yeah, right. For Logan, there has never been a rule he’s more tempted to break.

The deal is “just friends.” The pretty, confident, and fiercely smart math whiz is fine with pizza, tutoring, and keeping Logan in line. But the closer Jess gets, the more receptive she is to his warm heart and spirit—not to mention his irresistible off-field passes. With defenses down, they’re both heading into the danger zone.

It’s more than thrilling. It’s love. It’s also a game changer that could sideline Logan’s NFL goals—and more important, a future with Jess. But dreams are worth fighting for, right?

 * Goodreads * Amazon * 

Oooooh friends, this book was so yummy.  I know that when I love a book it comes out mostly in the adjective "yummy" but I just cannot help myself.  That's because this book is so good I figuratively ate it up.  And I would literally eat it up if it were actually food.  Which it isn't.  But, it did have pizza and gelato in it.  😀

This book was so much fun to read.  The dialogue was witty and flirty, the attraction and chemistry had an amazing build that became combustible.  Oh man, did it ever.  The explosions were worth waiting for.  😍🔥

There was depth and struggle for the characters and I love how they took the place in life they were in very seriously.  They trying to make good choices and live up to their potential.  Logan and Jess were easy to like and easy to root for.  I am really hoping that this is the start of a series that will include Bash!  He needs his own story!  I need more of him.

So yeah, my yummy siren is singing out loud and constantly with this book.  I would love to sit down and read it again right now because it made it me happy.  Sariah Wilson is so good at writing books that I love.  This one might be my favorite. (do I say that every time?!)  This book will be released on June 11th so pre-order it now!  I do believe it will also be on KU if you have that.

Content:  kissing, a couple make-out scenes, mention of child neglect and abuse, mention of date rape drug and almost rape with no details.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book but I have pre-ordered my own copy.

 

#Awestruck (#Lovestruck #3) by Sariah Wilson

Ambitious intern Ashton Bailey is about to get closer to her dream of being a sports announcer. All she has to do is prove that too-perfect-to-be-true NFL quarterback Evan Dawson isn’t quite as wholesome as his contract requires. It’s also the perfect opportunity to get delicious payback on the boy who broke her teenage heart. At least that’s her plan. But she forgot just how easy it is to crush on the irresistible charmer. #OhNoNotAgain.

Evan has a knack for getting through the opposing team’s defenses, and he won’t let this tall, redheaded knockout be the exception. He’s determined to make things right between them and earn back Ashton’s trust—and maybe her heart, too.

Then the press mistakenly announces their engagement, and Ashton and Evan find themselves going along with the lie. Now the whole world is watching as Ashton flirts with attraction and disaster. But while revenge is sweet, it just might come at the cost of something sweeter still.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * 

I've been so anxious to read this book but I've been holding off, waiting to get closer to release day.  It's been so hard to wait, especially when my book friends have been reading it and loving it.  Well, I just couldn't wait any longer.  This book doesn't release until Jan 8th but that's only a few days away, right?

I have yet to meet a Sariah Wilson book I didn't like.  Her books are easy to fall into, with clear characters full personality and humanity.  They make mistakes, they learn and they love.  I love the banter and the zingy attraction that always fills the pages and translates directly to my tummy butterflies and my heart.

Ashton is out to get Evan.  Poor guy doesn't even see her coming!  But thankfully Evan is one strong and determined man.  He breaks through Ashton's defenses like a boss.  I loved every interaction between Ashton and Evan.

This was a book I didn't want to put down.  It was fun and provided the perfect romantic escape.  I loved it!

#Moonstruck (#Lovestruck #2) by Sariah Wilson

After pop star Ryan De Luna praises Maisy Harrison’s YouTube cover of his classic hit, he offers Maisy and her fledgling band the opportunity of a lifetime: to be his opening act.

Music may be Maisy’s life, but she has one ground rule: never date a musician. That goes double for a heartbreaker like Ryan. If only she didn’t feel so vulnerable to his larger-than-life charm. And maybe now more than ever, when he asks for her help to shake off his playboy image. How can she resist playing the part of his fake girlfriend for the duration of the tour?

Ryan’s never met anyone like Maisy. She sees past all the star-studded fame and treats him like any other guy. And the more time they spend together, the more he finds himself falling for her. Now he’d like to make their imaginary fling an IRL thing. But can he convince her to take a chance and trust him with her heart?

* Amazon * Goodreads * 

This book had all the yummy elements I look for in a "take me away" romantic book.  

Fun characters?  ✅ 

Witty banter?  ✅ 

Tension and build up?  ✅

Great secondary characters?  ✅

Sizzling chemistry?  ✅

Humor?  ✅

I knew I was going to love this book.  I love everything Sariah Wilson writes for all the reasons above.  The musical aspect in this book had me hooked and led to some very romantic situations!  <sigh>  I'm swoony just thinking about it.  😊 

If you haven't picked up the first book in the series, you really should!  (#starstruck)  This book isn't dependent on the first book at all, but it is equally as good.  

Content:  kissing, talk about waiting for marriage for sex

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher at my request.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

The Promposal (The Ugly Stepsister Series, #2) by Sariah Wilson

Now that life has finally given her everything she’s ever wanted, Mattie Lowe has one thing on her mind: Prom. Determined to throw the most epic prom ever, Mattie sets out to plan a memorable and magical event—one that would make the late John Hughes proud.

But when her gorgeous and perfect boyfriend, Jake Kingston hasn’t popped the most creative promposal of all time, Mattie starts to worry. Actually, Jake hasn’t asked her at all—he’s been distant and quiet. And Mattie isn’t about to go to her senior prom solo. Suddenly, it seems that everything is stacked against her and falling apart quickly. With rivals vowing to sabotage her event and her boyfriend’s odd behavior, Mattie’s convinced the night is headed toward ruin. Will the snarky, purple-haired manga artist lead her class to an unforgettable night of fun and frolic or will she go down in high school history as the worst president to run the school?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

What a fun book!  This will take you right back those high school days- rival enemies out to destroy you, classes, boyfriends, prom, prom dresses- the whole shebang!  And if you are still in high school, you will relate to so much of this book.

It was awesome to have the carryover of characters from the first book in this series.  It pretty much picks up where the other left off.  So, because of that, I would recommend reading The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back first.  You won't be sorry.

There was humor in this book and I found myself smiling a lot because Mattie is just funny.  I loved the relationship between Mattie and her sister, and of course, between Mattie and Jake too.  

The ending was so super sweet and I may have just swooned a little.  And not just because there was chocolate involved.  😁  I am a Sariah Wilson fan!  I read everything she writes because her books just resonate in my happy spot.  

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley at my request.  All opinions expressed are my own.

#STARSTRUCK by Sariah Wilson + $25 Giveaway

“You’ve done better.”

With one uncharacteristically sassy tweet to her longtime celebrity crush, Zoe Miller’s life turns upside down. Ultra hot A-lister Chase Covington doesn’t just respond to Zoe’s tweet, he does the unthinkable: he messages Zoe directly. Now she must decide between walking away or meeting her crush in person.

Chase knows better than to trust anyone from the Internet, but Zoe’s saucy challenge has totally caught his interest—and her girl-next-door personality is keeping it. He’s been burned enough to know he needs to keep his heart close. But his feelings for Zoe might be a lot more than just an online flirtation. He just has to convince her…

When the press gets wind of Zoe and Chase’s secret relationship, their romance turns into tabloid headlines. Will they be able to hold on to their Hollywood love story?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Have you ever experienced a book hangover?  I have a few times and this book right here?  Major book hangover.  I literally couldn't pick up another book after this one.  It took me a whole day ( *gasp*) to recover.  This book was so yummy.

I have to say that the lead up anticipation to that first kiss was killing me.  It was nuts.  I loved it.  The flirting, the banter, the texts.  All of it.  Chase is so sweet and tries so hard, you cannot help but love him for it.  

This book will probably go down as one of my favorites this year and it's only two weeks into January!  I really want to go read it again right now. . .

Content:  steamy kissing, talk about intimate relations and waiting until marriage for sex, some innuendo

- I received a complimentary copy of this book in conjunction with this blog tour.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Find the author here:

Sariah’s Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6471623.Sariah_Wilson

Sariah Twitter: https://twitter.com/sariahwilson

Sariah website: http://www.sariahwilson.com/

Sariah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sariahwilsonauthor

Sariah Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sariah-Wilson/e/B00YB6ARUM/

Blog tour schedule:

January 15 - Bookworm Nation / KJ’s Book Nook

January 16 - Literary Time Out / Getting Your Read On / Katie’s Clean Book Collection /

January 17 - My Book a Day / Wishful Endings / LDS Writer Mom

January 18 - Empower Moms / Why Not? Because I Said So

January 19 - Bookworm Lisa / Min Reads and Reviews

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Once Upon a Time Travel by Sariah Wilson

Once upon a time…

Recent college grad Emma Damon knows the Rose Room in Hartley Hall is off limits, which is exactly why she can’t wait to get inside. Once she enters the forbidden room, Emma learns more about the history of the museum than she ever intended to know.

Waking up confused and shocked in 1816, all Emma wants is to return to her cozy home with flushing toilets and disposable razors. But when she’s mistaken for someone else, Emma must pretend to be everything she’s not. About to be engaged to the Earl of Hartley’s brother, Emma fails miserably at playing the role of a sophisticated lady.

Hartley is determined to ensure that the quirky and adorable woman marries his brother – despite his ever-growing attraction to her. After loving and losing, he refuses to fall prey to the shackles of love. But as his desire for Emma increases, he knows he must forfeit his happiness for his brother’s future. After all, there’s no such thing as happily ever after.

Or is there?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This book was highly entertaining to me.  I smiled a LOT and I even giggled out loud a few times.  I love when books amuse me.  Then you add in the ever growing attraction and tension between Emma and Hartley and I was completely hooked.  There were a few times I was mentally pulling my hair out and yelling, "Oh, COME ON!" only to be right back to giggling the next minute.  So fun.

There is a great cast of characters in this book and I loved the touch of the magical here.  I'd love to see this book grow into a series with some back stories about Hartley's sisters.  

Sariah Wilson is a go-to author for me.  This book is not like her others but it is surely one of her most amusing.  This is the perfect book for a romantic escape.  It will lighten your day and bring a smile to your face.

Content:  some kissing, making out that gets a little steamy but stays clean

- I received a copy of this book, per my request, from the publisher via NetGalley.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Royal Games (The Royals of Monterra #3) by Sariah Wilson

Genesis Kelley didn’t just get her heart broken. The aspiring veterinarian had it crushed in front of millions of viewers on the dating reality show Marry Me. Now, just as she’s getting her life and dignity back together, her royal heartbreaker, Prince Rafael of Monterra, has landed in Frog Hollow, Iowa. And he’s renting out her aunt’s guest cottage.

Deceiving TV audiences for his brother’s sake cost Rafe the girl of his dreams. But he’s going to fix it, even if it means moving from his mountain-kingdom home to small-town Iowa. A prince doesn’t give up on his rightful princess—especially once he realizes Genesis is in deeper danger than she knows.

Between fixing her truck, whisking her off to Monterra for a whirlwind date, and charming the entire town, Rafe is thawing the ice around Genesis’s heart. Will it be enough to earn back her trust, protect her from her past—and sweep her into a real-life fairy tale?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I've been waiting and watching NetGalley like a hawk for this book.  It might be a bit of an obsession.  But, stalking sometimes pays off because all of a sudden, one day, there it was.  My heart was happy- giddy with excitement!  Ummm, I love me some Monterra royals.

The last book left me happy but I knew fully well that Genesis and Rafe had a whole story to be told.  It was on the outer reaches of the last book- there but not quite clear until the awful ending for them and me needing to know what happened.  Thus, the stalking on NetGalley.

I was so glad that while this story started well after the last book ended, I had flashbacks and the backstory of the characters to help me understand them better.  Otherwise, I would have been so, so annoyed by Genesis and her stubborn refusal of Rafe.  Well, I kind of was anyway.  She won't even let Rafe explain anything!  That's just not nice, Genesis.  Rafe is so charming and kind.  His kindness overflows to everyone he meets.  I was half in love with him myself.  Genesis has some major hangups.  Valid hangups, but still the main conflict in the book. 

I loved how the story unfolded for me.  There was sparky fireworks going off everywhere and the attraction was tangible which only added to the satisfaction I was feeling all the way through.  I loved the added bit of light suspense and how I kept thinking "it" was always going to happen.   This was another yummy addition to this series that I'm in love with.  

Content:  clean (some passionate kissing)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.

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.