A Recent Reading Roundup

I don't know if this will come as a surprise or not but not all books I read make it to the blog.  😲  Sometimes I only post on Facebook, Amazon or Goodreads.  It just depends on why I'm reading the book and what I've promised to do.  Sometimes I'm part of a blog tour, sometimes I'm asked by an author to review and sometimes I'm just reading books because I have an extra minute and wasn't part of a review group.  These are books I've bought or picked up with Kindle Unlimited so reviews only go on Amazon and Goodreads.  That's what the following books are part of- books I picked up with only a review on Amazon when I was done.  They are only a couple sentences, but hopefully it's enough to spark your interest.

First book, Million Dollar Date by Susan Hatler:

Abigail Apple is running late to meet her blind date when she’s pulled over for speeding. Unfortunately, the follow-the-rules cop doesn’t care that she’s late, let alone that she’s heartbroken because her favorite dog rescue is in danger of being closed. Now she has to meet her date with mud drying on her heels, dog hair covering her dress, and the smell of a barn perfuming her hair. When she arrives, however, Abigail learns her handsome blind date is none other than the cop who pulled her over.

Abigail has no intention of staying until she learns Cooper Hill is heading a committee for the city that will award a six-figure donation to a charity of their choice. So, what’s a girl to do? Abigail decides a second date is the perfect way to convince Cooper to vote for the dog rescue. Soon, however, Abigail is less interested in Cooper’s vote than she is in his deep voice, kind heart, and tender touch.

Will this follow-the-rules cop and this follows-her-heart animal lover learn that despite poor first impressions, second chances can lead to love?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

This book was entertaining and fun. I love when books make me smile and this one definitely did that. Awesome dialogue, likeable characters, sweet romance and doggies! Save the doggies! I also love the cover with that bit of blue sparkle. I'm excited for more in this new series by Susan Hatler!

Second up is D is for Doctor (ABCs of Love Sweet Romance Book 4) by Brenna Jacobs:

ER doctor David Daniels thinks his neighbor, Avery, is way out of his league. But chemistry is chemistry, and he's pretty sure they have some. If only she wasn't dating someone else . . .

Avery Middleton thinks her neighbor is cute in a dorky brother kind of way. But the more she gets to know him, he seems a little less like a brother and a lot more like the sexy doctor next door. If not for her recently rekindled relationship with a boyfriend from the past, she might give the doctor a second look.

When David learns something incriminating about Avery's boyfriend, he's forced to decide: play it safe or risk his friendship with Avery and possibly his career to tell her the truth.

Will the sparks between David and Avery be enough to turn their friendship into more?

* Amazon * Goodreads *

Very cute! I loved the setting (think beach!) and I loved David. Bumbling, blushing, sincere David. He was the star of the show. Fun addition to this series!



The next book is Something New by Joanne Bischof

After waiting four years for her best friend to return from sea, Wren Cromwell's dream of building a life with Tate Kennedy has wilted during his unexpected absence. Then, just as suddenly as he departed the mountain of their childhood, he returns, bringing with him tales of Norway's icy fjords and his time aboard ship on the North Sea. As spring unfurls around them, so unfolds a new hope in Wren's heart, and a new chance at love on the horizon. But with Tate's longing for exciting voyages still alive, will he vanish to the high seas again, or will this land he's returned to, and Wren's steadfast love, be enough to nurture his adventurous spirit?

* Amazon * Goodreads * 

How very, very sweet and gentle. I loved this tender story of reconnecting love and I loved Tate. He has to be the sweetest man ever. His devotion was demonstrated in his every thought and action. 💙 This is a novella length story.

Last one!  Sea of Flames (Star Crossed Academy #1) by Wendy Knight:

He's loved her since he was five years old. And he will never feel her touch.
Adara is literally fire, and Beck is ice. Even the barest hint of touch burns them both.
He loves her with everything he has. Which is why he has to let her go.
Beck and Adara were raised together at Vitolas Academy, an elite boarding school for elementals. They learned to add, subtract, read, and harness the powers flowing through them.
They learned to fight.
To become soldiers.
Warriors.
Hunters.
But never lovers. It would hurt too much.
It takes everything Beck has to keep Adara at arms' length. She deserves a life with physical affection, and that's a life he can't give her. Not without a miracle.
A miracle that might come from the last source he expects--the monsters that he's spent his whole life learning to fight. The monsters that threaten his whole world.
The monsters that hold the key to Adara's heart and soul.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

I was in the mood for something different than what I've been reading so I decided on a paranormal book.  With elemental powers, these characters are fighting the classic fight of good vs. evil.  They are being trained to use their powers to fight against the chaos.  It's YA and the main characters are mostly high school age but it didn't feel overly teenage dramatic.  In fact, I enjoyed it enough to pick up the following books in this series (there are six total).  Yup, I read them all in one weekend.  It was a good side binge from my regularly scheduled reading.  ;)  You should definitely read these books in order because it's a continuing story line with each book focusing on different characters, although all characters are present throughout all the books.  I loved the growing connections between the characters and how they all learned how to work together to make everyone stronger.  There was a strong sense of loyalty and family which I am always drawn to.  

Content:  some mild swearing 

 

Forever in a Kiss (Kissed by the Bay #7) by Susan Hatler

Claire Davenport is a hopeless romantic who shared her first kiss with Alex Murphy during a game of Spin the Bottle. Only Alex never pursued her after their kissing session and Claire regrets not telling him about her crush. At twenty-seven, no boyfriends have captured her heart in the same way. Still, she hasn’t given up on finding the one. Unfortunately, Forever Designs, her boutique wedding dress business, is accumulating more bills than invoices so love has to take a backseat for now.

When a famous model books Claire to design her wedding dress, she jumps at the opportunity only to find out the client is her childhood best friend and rival, Missy Peters. Claire and Missy’s friendship imploded when Missy stole Claire’s high school boyfriend. To save her business, Claire has no choice, but to work with Missy. To Claire’s surprise, the best man turns out to be Alex Murphy. Gone is the skinny boy with the awkward-but-endearing kisses. Alex is now a sexy scientist, who for some reason seems determined to stop the wedding, which Claire can’t let happen.

Now, Claire must design the perfect dress for demanding Missy, while at the same time countering Alex’s attempts to break up the bride and groom. Can Claire convince Alex to give Missy and her fiancé a chance, and that true love is possible? And can she do it without him breaking her heart all over again?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

Susan Hatler's books make me happy.  I know exactly what I'm going to get every time I open one of her books.  She has a way of writing characters, dialogue and settings that feel natural and easy.  Love.

All the books in this series somehow include the legend of the bay in a small coastal town and I also love that.  It connects the stories in a small way and adds a bit of the magical.

Claire is a fun character, a romantic at heart who believes in true love.  She has never forgotten her first kiss with Alex (way back when!) so running into him, in her own wedding dress shop of all places, makes her heart pitter patter.  Alex swears he doesn't believe in forever love.  He is actively trying to stop a wedding and Claire is determined to save it.  It makes for some fun, sparky moments.  Claire and Alex begin to spend time together and learn more about each other.  The build up was great and I loved the easy way the story progressed.  Like I said before, Susan Hatler has that way about her writing.  It makes me happy.

This book is on KU if you have that!

Content:  kissing, mention of cheating

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

All About That Kiss (Kissed by the Bay #6) by Susan Hatler

City girl Janine Wilson’s career is taking off but the same can’t be said about her love life. No matter—as manager of the Inn at Blue Moon Bay, Janine’s in charge of throwing a huge party to celebrate the Inn’s recent expansion and doesn’t have time for distractions. Unfortunately, two big ones suddenly show up: her thrill-seeking incompatible ex, Cody, who refuses to accept their breakup, and Cody’s handsome and charming best friend, Texas cowboy Jackson Davis.

Reluctantly, Janine agrees to meet Cody for one last dinner because Cody says he has a huge business opportunity for the Inn. But when Cody takes her on a boat ride to show her his great idea, Jackson is at the helm. Janine has been trying to resist her attraction to Jackson because they have no common interests, not to mention he’s her ex’s best friend. Once they stop on a deserted island, though, Janine doesn’t expect the sparks that fly between them, the spontaneous kiss they share, or what Cody does after witnessing said kiss.

Janine was convinced she needed a sophisticated man who shared the same interests as her. Now that she’s been stranded on a deserted island with Jackson, will she discover he’s everything she never knew she really wanted?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This was such a fun book!  It's no secret that I love reading Susan Hatler's books and I was really excited to read Janine's story.  She made some strong appearances in The Sweetest Kiss (Book #4) (along with Jackson!) and I knew her story was going to be a good one.

I think I would like to be friends with Janine.  She is my kind of girl.  I really bonded with her over the whole "camping" experience.  I love her desire to prove herself that translated into hard work and concern for her job. 

Jackson- so loyal and kind.  How can you not love him?  There were so many charged moments between Janine and Jackson- yummy kissing, undeniable attraction and of course, plenty of misunderstanding.  Even in their worst moments, I still loved them both.

This was another fabulous addition in this Kissed by the Bay series and one of favorites.  I loved this one.

Content:  kissing

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

The Sweetest Kiss (Kissed by the Bay #4) by Susan Hatler

Megan Wallace wants three things: to make a living as an artist, to fulfill a promise she made her grandmother to visit the Boboli Gardens in Italy, and—oh yeah— for her best friend Brian Watts to fall in love with her. When the local library hosts an art competition, in which the winner will receive a one-year contract to paint in Florence, Italy, Megan sets out to make all her dreams come true.

Since Brian is a talented woodworker, Megan plans to ask him to make the custom frames for her paintings. She’s crushed to discover he’s already partnered up with Chelsea Chambers, Megan’s rival since art school. Megan is even more devastated when Chelsea sets her sights on Brian romantically.

The stakes are high and there can only be one winner. When the contest judges praise Chelsea’s classic style, Megan wonders if she should forego her own surreal painting style for one that’s more traditional. Brian urges her to be true to her talent. He also gives her reason to believe that maybe he feels more than friendship for her after all.

Will Megan have to give up her vision in order to win the contest? And if she wins, will she have to say goodbye to the love of her life?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I love reading books by Susan Hatler.  She's one of my favorites because her books are so easy to settle in with.  Every time I pick up one of her books, I know I'm going get romance, yes, but fun dialogue and characters full of personality as well.

This series is set in a magical place to me.  I LOVE the whole legend of the bay and how it is incorporated into every book.  I also love seeing people from past books making an appearance in this book.  It feels like a community of friends and family continuing in each story and I never really have to say goodbye to anyone.

I liked Megan.  She had dreams but also insecurities about her ability to actually fulfill those dreams.  Her vulnerability helped me to connect with her and her unrequited love left me rooting for her.  I loved the first kiss and I loved the second kiss almost as much.  :)  The ending was sweet and I think that's where I fell in love with Brian too.

Content:  kissing, drinking alcohol

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

Forever Yours in Christmas Falls (Return to Christmas Falls #5) by Susan Hatler

Morgan Reed is excited to return to her hometown of Christmas Falls and open her beauty salon, but when she arrives to her rented business space she’s shocked to find it already occupied by Dallas Parker—her brother’s best friend, the guy she had a childhood crush on, and the one her mom blames for their family’s greatest tragedy.

With their landlord out of the country and unreachable, Morgan and Dallas must open their businesses together. But, no worries, all small towns need a combo furniture store/beauty salon, right? Ugh. As they work together, Morgan tries to keep her emotional distance but time and off-the-charts chemistry soon turn a childhood friendship into a blossoming romance.

Unfortunately, just when their relationship develops into something deeper, an unexpected crisis re-opens her family’s old wounds and the blame is on Dallas once again. Will Morgan’s sadness and fear pull them apart, or make her realize Dallas has always been her heart’s true safe harbor?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Susan Hatler proves yet again with this book just why I love her!  Her books always give me butterflies and swoony feelings with flirty banter and fun characters.  And Dallas?  Um, hello.  Morgan and I may have a crush on him together.  He's just full of strong manly traits that are so attractive!

It's always satisfying to see a character find the strength to follow their dreams and Morgan definitely does that in this book.  She has tried to fit the mold her mother has for her but it's never been what she wants.  When Morgan finally finds the courage to step into her own path and find her own happiness, my heart did a little song of joy.  She owned her decisions and I felt that strength.

I love the added depth of emotion and connection a shared tragedy brings to Morgan and Dallas's relationship.  Their history has many good moments and couple not so good.  It gives the story a good balance with all the reconnecting chemistry that is flying around.

This book is part of a series but can stand all on it's own.  I've been reading the series and I am absolutely loving it.  Each book is by a different author but the books intertwine with location and a common character of Miss Anna Cate.  This is the perfect series to get into with the holiday season fast approaching!

Content:  kissing

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Wedding Charm: The Wedding Whisperer (Magnolias and Moonshine) by Susan Hatler

Maid of honor Sarah Carlton hasn’t failed at anything since her high school science project was sabotaged by a relentless competitor. So, she’ll do whatever it takes to make her best friend Jill’s wedding absolutely perfect. That includes taking the next flight out of Sacramento to retrieve the panicked bride’s cherished family wedding charm from her late grandmother’s attic in Atlanta Georgia.

Unfortunately, someone else has offered to come to the bride’s rescue—best man Ben Atkins, the same man who destroyed Sarah’s high school science project all those years ago. Now he wants to one-up her by retrieving the charm first? Sarah refuses to let that happen. The race is on.

When Sarah and Ben arrive in Atlanta, instead of finding the wedding charm there’s a letter from the bride’s grandmother directing the bride and groom to complete a series of tasks in order to prove their commitment to each other. With the wedding only two days away, Sarah and Ben must join forces by pretending to be the bride and groom in order to earn the wedding charm. Should be a cinch. After all, how hard can it be to fake true love for forty-eight hours?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I'm so excited about this series!  There are so many authors I love taking part in it.  Something to keep in mind though, if you are in the market for "clean" romance like me, this series has both sweet and clean along with spicier.  Pink=sweet, Purple=spicy.  Just so you know.  :)

This story!!  I fell in love with it.  Love, lovey, love love.  It was sweet romance and adventure all rolled into one.  Sarah and Ben are on a quest to collect a prized piece of jewelry and save a wedding.  Everything is riding on their success.  They have to complete a series of tasks, in a short amount of time, all while pretending to be in love.  Sarah and Ben have known each other for a long time- they have a rocky history.  But, their chemistry is off the charts!

Susan Hatler did such a good job of drawing me right into this story and making me feel connected so quickly.  I loved this story!  It was fun and light and it just made me happy!  (Which isn't surprising.  I love Susan Hatler and her books!  She's one of my favorites!)

I'm excited to read more from this series.  I have another official review coming the 30th for Jennifer Peel's book- YaY!  I'm reading some of the others in this series but won't be reviewing them here on my blog.  You can follow or friend me on Goodreads though because I will be mentioning them there.  😊

Content:  Clean

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

A Christmas Kiss (Kissed by the Bay, #5) by Susan Hatler

Harper Avery is a jaded divorce attorney who loves helping her clients move on to better things. After all, they’ve struggled enough being in an unhappy marriage. When one client’s soon-to-be ex-husband suddenly says he wants a second chance with his wife, Harper’s dubious, certain that her client is just going to get hurt again.

Despite his career as a divorce attorney, Gabriel Hart still believes that love can work miracles. Sure, there are no guarantees, but he totally supports his client’s efforts to reconcile with his wife—even if it means Gabriel has to go head-to-head with Harper to keep her from ruining the couple’s chances.

With the holidays approaching, husband and wife set out to see if they can work through their issues, while Harper decides to spend the long Christmas weekend at her friend’s cabin in Lake Tahoe. Only when she gets there, someone is already occupying her last-minute rental—Gabriel Hart. Both refuse to give up their holiday retreat. Will their adversarial working relationship make for a stressful weekend? Or will the magic of Christmas sprinkle them with a love that can beat the odds?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This book is overflowing with all that is sweet and romantic in the perfect wintery Christmas setting - Lake Tahoe!  (I love Lake Tahoe!  I actually prefer it in the summer though- I'm a girl that doesn't like to be cold.)

I think Gabriel is perfectly named for the angel that he is.  He stole the show with his thoughtfulness and kindness in this book.  I just loved him.  Harper is a bit more jaded then Gabriel and has a harder time letting go and allowing herself to feel.  Opposites definitely attract in this case!

This is a short story so it's over before you know it but I felt like I had all the arch and elements need to be fully invested.  This was a fun diversion and the perfect romantic story for the holiday season.  Grab a cup of hot chocolate, your favorite snuggy blanket and settle in for a fun, romantic treat!

Content:  Clean

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Crush Dilemma (Dear Aubrey, #1) by Susan Hatler

Teen geek, Poppy Pinkleton, is adding some spice to her senior year of high school: A year of psychological experiments that will 1) Earn her three units of college credit; 2) Give her an outlet to say what she wants, when she wants; and 3) Will NOT include her parents telling her to be the “bigger person.”

How, you ask? Poppy’s gotten the green light from Mrs. Peterson, the newspaper head, to write an online advice column for the school. She’s found the perfect name for her alter ego: Aubrey. It means someone who rules with “magical wisdom.” She’ll be in control of her online experiment, online identity, and divvy her wisdom to the masses while tracking the results for her mini-thesis.
Now, protected by a secret identity, she’s got the popular crowd clambering to know what she thinks about fashion, homework, and eek . . . even sex! And the best part is, her parents and best friends don’t know anything about it. Finally, she can let loose a wild side and speak her mind—right or wrong, without having to meet anyone’s expectations.

Soon, however, dishing out advice leads to more than Poppy can handle on her own and she must make a choice. Hide behind her alter ego or take the chance that everyone, including the new boy at school, will like her for everything she is.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Here goes Susan Hatler again- changing up her genre a bit and writing a fun YA book.  I love Susan's adult clean romance books.  They always make me swoon dreamily.  This book is written for a younger audience and isn't necessarily swoony but has so many things that teenagers in high school will be able to relate to easily.

Poppy.  Here's a girl that is focused on grades and college.  She isn't in the "it" crowd, but usually she doesn't mind that so much.  When Poppy has the great idea of writing an anonymous advice column for her school she feels on top of the world.  People are paying attention to what she says and putting her advice into practice.  But then things start getting a bit messy.  Poppy is caught up in the drama of relationships, secrets and heavy expectations.  Yeah, things get messy alright!

I liked Poppy.  She is book smart but not exactly always people smart.  Her advice column was a way for her to express what she thought because in her real life she wasn't nearly as courageous.  I loved watching Poppy grow in confidence as her secret life and thoughts started to mesh with her real life and she learned how to speak up.

This book was easy to settle in with and made me smile many times.  It also tugged a bit at my heartstrings.  This life can be so hard to navigate.  People can be mean.  It takes courage to stand up and let your voice be heard.  It takes courage to stand against the mean people and the bullies.  It is so important to surround yourself with good people and good friends and to be that for other people.  That's the message I took away from this book.  

Content:  Some talk of teenagers "hooking up" and cheating on each other, teenage drinking.  Nothing described in detail.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Just One Kiss (Kissed By the Bay #3) by Susan Hatler (It's Release Day!!)

Charlie Rockwell’s divorce from her rock star ex left her with a broken heart, a mansion on the bluffs in her hometown of Blue Moon Bay, and an empty back account. Now, Charlie has to generate enough income to keep the house she loves.

When producers of the soap opera, Just One Love, offer to rent Charlie’s house for a sizable fee, Charlie’s tempted. Only she wants nothing to do with the spotlight or dating someone famous again, and the show’s sexy star, Luke Montgomery, has her in his sights. Reluctantly, Charlie agrees to rent her home and vows to stay out of Luke’s way.

Unexpectedly, as filming progresses, Charlie witnesses Luke’s sweet side. She also remembers her college theater days and love of acting. During an on-set emergency, she’s asked to stand-in during a scene, and her undeniable chemistry with Luke impresses the producers enough that they want Charlie full-time.

Can Charlie finally have the career she’s dreamed about? And will Luke break her heart, or will he be everything he seems and what she always wanted?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Happy release day to Just One Kiss!!

I was SO looking forward to this book.  After reading the previous books, I just KNEW Charlie's story was going to be good.  Charlie and Luke.  Luke and Charlie.  LOVE.

BUT.  The road to love is rarely easy.  Up and down.  Give and take.  Misunderstanding.  And kisses.  Don't forget the kisses.  It's what makes up a great love story!

One of the things I love about this book is that it really makes me feel like I'm Charlie's friend.  I'm right there with her through every thought and every action.  The dialogue is familiar and easy.  I was rooting for Charlie before the book ever even started and I loved getting to know her.  This book was so much fun!

Susan Hatler is one of my favorites.  Her books sit right in my happy, comfortable place.  I really love reading her books.  They are the perfect romantic escape.

This is the third book in this series.  It can stand alone, but you will feel more connection to all the secondary characters if you read the books in order, I think.

Content:  Clean!  Yay!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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

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

An Unexpected Proposal (Treasured Dreams Book 4) by Susan Hatler

When Holly’s boyfriend is offered the job of his dreams in Africa, Holly must choose between the love of her life and the small mountain town that soothes her soul.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

It was just before bed and I had just finished reading a book.  I had a few minutes more and I didn't want to start a whole new book just before going to bed because what if it was so good I couldn't put it down?  Then I would be up all night long.  So, I had a light bulb moment and remembered that I had just been sent this little gem of a short story.  It was perfect for those last few "me" moments before heading to bed.

An Unexpected Proposal is part of an ongoing short story series.  Each short story is about 25 pages and literally takes about 10-15 minutes to read.  In this snippet, Holly is worried about her boyfriend taking a job in Africa.  She doesn't want him so far away but she also doesn't want to leave her favorite place to live.

These short stories remind me of little pieces of chocolate.  You just get one bite but that one bite is SO YUMMY.  You close your eyes and savor those few moments of deliciousness.  Yup.  That's exactly what it's like.

Content:  Clean.  :)

 

An Unexpected Love (Treasured Dreams #3) by Susan Hatler

An unexpected offer could be the answer to Holly's dreams or could crush them completely.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This is a short story.  And I mean SHORT story.  If you have five minutes, you have time for this book.  Well, if you haven't read the two previous short stories in this series, then you will need fifteen minutes to read them all.  :)  Do you have 15 minutes?  Think lunch break for waiting for your kids at practice or those 15 minutes of peace right before bed.

This is the continuation of Holly's life.  We get glimpses of her life in these tiny little nuggets.  The first book is An Unexpected Date .  Then comes An Unexpected Kiss .  This one is that moment of love that follows the dates and the kissing.  :)  It is so sweet!  My heart melted just a wee tad.

Susan Hatler is one of my all time favorites for zingy, light and fun romances.  It's amazing what she can accomplish in five minutes of reading for me!

Every Little Kiss (Kissed by the Bay Book 1) by Susan Hatler

When Wendy Watts left Blue Moon Bay, she vowed never to return to the small coastal town where her parents had abandoned her and her brother. Now she’s a successful Realtor, and a workaholic who stays away from complicated emotions—until her grandmother dies, leaving Wendy the Inn at Blue Moon Bay and mandating that if Wendy sells it, she must put it on the market herself “in person.”

As soon as Wendy arrives in Blue Moon Bay, bad memories, the inn’s poor condition, and her brother’s pleas to keep the inn overwhelm her. Then she meets a sexy laid-back stranger on the beach, and Wendy does something she never does . . . she opens up and confides her problems to him. Since Max Huntington’s only in town for one night, Wendy spontaneously kisses him, hoping to be distracted from her troubles for just one evening.

But when Wendy begins the painstaking process of fixing up the inn in order to sell it, Max tells her he’s staying on longer. He’s enchanted by the charming inn and even more with the kisses they shared on the beach. He wants to help her with the repairs, and she reluctantly accepts his offer.

Although she’s determined to remain detached from the allure of her inn, Blue Moon Bay and Max, every repair, every stroll on the beach, and every moment spent with Max, draws her in and reminds her of the local legend she’d believed as a child: that being kissed by the bay under a blue moon will lead to love that lasts forever.

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Well, it's the start of something new from one of my all time fav's, Susan Hatler!  The Kissed by the Bay Series has begun and it's going to be a fun ride.  I already love the setting- it sings to my heart.

Wendy left her home of Blue Moon Bay and vowed never to return, she left behind a group of people she really hurt.  Wendy was trying to escape and avoid dealing with the issues she faced there.  She was determined to build a successful career and a new life far away from her old one.  The process of Wendy's healing was a good one and I enjoyed watching her realize that in leaving her home, family and friends, she was dealing out the same hurts that had been dealt to her.

I think everyone needs a Max in their life.  Seriously, he is the knight on the white horse named Patience.  I liked that Max knew what he wanted.  He was steady and sure and so very kind.

This was such a sweet story.  It was more than just a romance (although the kissing was great!).  It was about reconnecting, forgiving, and loving.  I really enjoyed it!  I can't wait for the next book in the series, The Perfect Kiss, set to come out in November.  I'm really "over the blue moon" about Susan and this series!

An Unexpected Kiss (Treasured Dreams, #2) by Susan Hatler

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.

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Do you have 20 minutes to read?  Anywhere in your day or night?  Do you love romance?  If you answered yes, I have just the book for you.  ;)

An Unexpected Kiss will take you 20 minutes to read.  If that.  It's super short and super sweet.  I love Susan Hatler.  She really has a knack for writing sweet romance and you won't believe what she accomplishes in the 24 pages here.  That's right, 24 pages.   This book is the beginning of a fantastic relationship between Holly and Dave.  It's their first date and you will experience all those anxious thoughts and butterflies in your stomach right along with them.  

I opened this book on a plane ride to Hawaii.  I knew this was a short story but I didn't realize just how short it really was until I reached the end and wanted so much more.  Sigh.  I really wanted more.  Susan Hatler has so many great books and if you haven't read anything by her yet, you really should.  She is the queen of short and sweet romance novellas.

Date and Dash (Better Date Than Never Series, #10) by Susan Hatler

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Good news!  Bad news!  Good news!

Good news:  A new book, Mary Ann's story, in this Better Date Than Never series!

Bad news:  I think this is the last book in this series!  :(

Good news:  Another series is starting soon! Every Little Kiss (Kissed by the Bay Book 1)  It looks good and I can't wait to read it!

I have loved, loved, loved this series.  These books are so flirty and fun and the covers are a fantastic representation of what is inside.  I am always in the mood for one of these books.  The stories are short but oh, so satisfying.  They fill up my romantic heart and leave it with a breathless sigh of happiness.  

This is Mary Ann's story.  Mary Ann is impulsive and enjoys life but she has a deeply sentimental side as well.  She is on her way to an auction to bid on her grandmother's long lost bracelet when she gets into a bit of an accident.  Through a series of miscommunications, Mary finds herself with a date instead of a bracelet and her date is no other than the stiff, unyielding guy she hit on her way to the auction.  Talk about bad luck.  Or is it?

I think this story is one of my favorites.  Yup, favorite.  I said it.  Each book in this series can stand alone- you don't have to read them in order.  There is some character cross over though so reading from the beginning is fun because then you see old friends later.  Either way, it's going to be good.  

This is a sweet, clean romance with some kissing.

Deja Date by Susan Hatler

She sent Chris Bradley off with a "Rock On Stud" farewell in Truth or Date. She tried to nab Noah Peterson in My Last Blind Date. Blonde bombshell. Office flirt. But things didn't go so well for her in Up to Date... Get ready for Melinda Morgan's story revealed in Déjà Date!!

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I love, love, love getting a new book for review from Susan Hatler and I love the Better Date Than Never series.  This is book nine in this series of short stories  where Melinda finally has her story told.  Yay!

The good thing about short stores is you can read them quickly and have a romantic indulgence in no time at all.  The bad thing about short stories is they are over so fast it leaves you wanting more.  That's how I felt about this book.  Over too fast.  I want more.  Oh, and I want a marshmallow fudge bar too.  (what?  Melinda drools over them the whole book and now I want one too!)  Romance and chocolate is a winning combination.  :)

I love Nate and I love Nate for Melinda.  This is a second chance at first love kind of book and it's clean with some happy kissing.  The perfect evening getaway.