The Academic Bride (Billionaire Marriage Brokers, Book One) by Lucy McConnell

Early on, Pamela Jones realized she had an unusual talent for putting two people together. Over the years, she's turned it into a successful matchmaking service for the ultra wealthy: Billionaire Marriage Brokers. While she specializes in "business" marriages -- paring people off because of their skills, education, or training -- she can spot a potential love match a mile away. When Pamela has a "good feeling" about a bride and groom - a business marriage can become so much more.

Janel Fendrick is a go-getter. Her dream of excavating a Mayan temple is within reach -- until the funding is pulled and she's left scrambling for an alternative. Pamela Jones comes along with a proposal...and a groom! Janel hesitates, until she realizes that one year of marriage is a small price to pay to have all her dreams come true. What she doesn't realize, is that she's about to get more than she ever dreamed of.

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Here is the beginning of a new series of short stories from author Lucy McConnell.  I actually stumbled on the second book in this series, The Organized Bride (Billionaire Marriage Brokers Book 2), on Amazon, picked it up and read it.  I have read other books by Lucy McConnell (Snow Valley Anthologies ) which I really enjoyed so I was excited to read it.  I didn't realize at first that I was reading the second book but it is a stand alone book and didn't require me reading the first book in the series to enjoy it.  As soon as I finished it, I knew I wanted to read the first book and review it so I could share this fun series with everyone who loves a good, clean romance!

There are pros and cons for this book being shorter than a regular book.  The biggest con for me is that I was left wanting more.  More, more, more.  I think the author could have dragged this book out and given me a full sized novel with these characters and this situation.  I'm greedy.  I wanted more. 

BUT.  

Everything was accomplished in this book in a way that kept me invested and happy.  I was drawn in from the very first pages and I loved the growing attraction between Janel and Nick.  Nick is so considerate and sweet.  He really wants to take care of Janel.  I loved that.  I also loved the brownie bonding and the ice cream kiss.  Yum.  

I really love this series because I get fun characters thrown into a crazy situation where love grows and my romantic heart lets out a contented sigh.  These books are clean, which I really appreciate in my romance novels.  (no swearing or sexual situations- just some kissing)

Because these are shorter stories, I read through them quickly.  I polished this one off in a couple hours while waiting for my daughter at a conference.  I can't wait to read the next book!  I hope it comes out soon.  :)

With No Regrets by Julie N. Ford + $25 Giveaway

Finley isn’t exactly sure when her life began to feel unfamiliar. She suspects the transformation started long before she caught her husband and fellow garden club member doing the white-trash-two-step on her new Bernhardt sofa. Now free from the shackles of a loveless marriage, and with her children off to college, she’s finally able to go searching for the missing pieces of her heart. Finley’s best friend, Cathyanne, is already working hard to ensure that Finley finds true love this time around. But when Finley is unwittingly tossed into the arms of two men—their sexy trainer and her neighbor, a popular country star—Cathyanne fears finding the right guy will be more complicated than she ever could have imagined. For Finley, building a new life feels as impossible as flying a paper airplane to the moon. But maybe, just maybe, with the right help, she will find her whole heart—even if it’s in the very last place she thinks to look.

 

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I've been looking forward to reading this book.  I've read other books by Julie Ford and enjoyed them so I was hopeful for this one.  I'm coming in with mixed ideas about this book.  It's sort of a like/dislike relationship I have going on with this book right now.

First, I did enjoy reading a book with a slightly older main character than I usually see in many books.  Finley is a woman with grown children and a lot of life experiences behind her.  Recently divorced, Finley is trying to work through the emotions and conflict surrounding her new found place in life.

I liked the basic story line and I enjoyed Finley's growth through the book.  Her struggles seemed real and even though I couldn't relate personally to many things she was going through, I felt the emotional tug.  I loved the journey personally that Finley is on that is apart from her romantic entanglements.  It was a self-awareness that shifts as she realizes that there are other people out there, struggling, and that she make a difference.  Not just generally, but personally.  That was the best bit of the book for me.

This book, for me personally, was a bit crass in many parts.  There is swearing and many instances of crass kind of talk.  There is a lot of sexual innuendo and references to affairs.  I guess I just wasn't expecting that.  I will be hesitant to pick up more book by Julie Ford because now I am confused as to how she writes.  None of her other books have been this way.  So, there is the like/dislike.  I liked the story and the personal growth for Finley but I could have done without some of the swearing and sexual references.

Here is an excerpt from "With No Regrets".

Packed like corralled cattle between four wood paneled walls, the riotous crowd filling the bar overwhelmed the echo of Finley’s boots as she made her way through the darkened hallway. Built during the early days of Nashville, Tootsie’s was rumored to have launched Willie Nelson’s career as well as other famous performers like Kris Kristofferson, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, and in more recent decades, Quinton Townes. 

At the end of the hallway, and through an open door, Finley spied her neighbor. 

Jagged locks of ashy-blond hair peeked out from under a worn cowboy hat to poke at the frayed edges of his western shirt. A dimple split his right cheek as he smiled, his head bent toward that of a young woman.

Finley moved closer, watching as the groupie handed Quinton a cocktail napkin. “Will you sign this for me?” she said, adding a coy smirk.

Quinton ran his smoky gray eyes over the woman’s skintight T-shirt as he slipped the paper and pen from her hands, his fingers lingering a touch longer than necessary on hers. “Who should I make this out to?” he drawled in that slow, Texas way of his.

Gazing out from under a pair of mascara-laden lashes, she said, “McKenna,” and then bit down on her plump bottom lip.

Finley rolled her eyes. This one was young, even by Quinton’s standards. Likely, not much older than her daughter Royanne, or Quinton’s own estranged daughter, Annie, for that matter. Because she hadn’t known him back when he was married, it was hard for her to imagine him as anyone’s daddy. But then he’d become a father long before the world had known his name. Before his solo career had taken off and he’d mistakenly boarded a high-speed train running on tequila and cocaine, barreling headlong into the blinding lights of one forgotten arena after another. Before he’d traded the unconditional love of a wife and three children for the fleeting admiration of his fans. Before the cheers of the crowds had echoed into a deafening abyss where there wasn’t enough booze or blow in his empty hotel room to silence the void. And certainly before he’d woken up one morning a homeless, washed-up one-hit-wonder with nothing but a broken-down Mazerati to call his own. The very day he just so happened to have entered Finley’s life.

Author Julie N. Ford A graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science, Julie N. Ford also earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama, which has only made her better able to recognize the unhealthy, codependent relationship she has with writing. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a marriage and family counselor. She is the author of six women’s fiction novels, including Count Down to Love, a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she entertains delusions of being a master gardener, that is, when she’s not killing the unsuspecting plants in her yard with her good intentions. She lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two daughters, and the cutest Scottish fold cat you’ve ever seen. She loves to chat with readers.

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Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/28/15 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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The Girl in Seat 24B by Jennifer Peel

One red eye flight and ten years of marriage later, Carly Bishop had what she considered a practically perfect life. Her journalist husband and her two adorable children were everything to her. But soon she would find out that her dream life didn't fall in line with her husband's expectations.

Left alone to sort out the pieces of her crumbling life, Carly finds strength in her children and her growing relationship with her in-laws. Most importantly, she finds her greatest strength as she builds a friendship with herself.

This is a beautiful story of one woman's strength and determination as she finds the will to move forward and be happy while the life she had grown to love crumbles around her. It is a story of a man who has lost his way and may lose it all if he can't find his way back. The Girl in Seat 24B is a story of love and forgiveness.

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I have now officially read every book by Jennifer Peel.  This was the last book to check off my list.  Something I love about Jennifer Peel is her ability to make me feel like each of her books are something new and different.  This book isn't anything like her other books, it's a bit tragic and sad but not without hope.  It has a completely different feel to it than her newest book, Trouble in Loveland. (which I loved, by the way!)

I was, from beginning to end, pulled into the dynamics of this book.  It felt so real and emotional.  I really had a hard time pulling myself away from this story and these characters.  Consequently, I read through this book in a day.  (yeah, not much else got done...)

Carly is an incredibly patient and kind woman.  A much better woman than I am.  No doubt I would have reacted in a much less stellar way if I was in her position.  I really liked Carly though.  She is strong, resourceful and did I mention patient?  Man.  So patient. Like, she might be a saint, patient.  Jennifer Peel wrote this in such a way that it really felt personal to me-  like my friend telling me a heartbreaking story.  I really, really liked it.

One thing that I still just do not understand completely is Michael and his complete about face.  I mean, he was wishy washy for most of the book and I got that, but then he completely went the other way with such gusto and I'm not sure I completely bought into how that came about.  Especially after so long.  It was a small thing really, and one probably more based on my personal experiences and personality than anything else.  

Bottom line:  I loved it.  I was emotionally invested and that, to me, is really the beginning and end of it all.  If you can make me feel something and make me care, you have done a good job.  So, good job, Jennifer!  Thank you for allowing me to read and review for you.  I love your books, and I can't wait to see what you come up with next!

Playing for Keeps by Ranee' S. Clark

Football-loving TyAnne Daws has long admired BYU's star quarterback from afar. This semester, she's determined to step away from the sidelines and she has the perfect game plan for winning the heart of Anthony Rocket Rogers. When some smart moves land her in one of his classes, she finds herself in the perfect position to make her play. But as she gets to know the real Anthony, away from the lights of the stadium, Ty realizes that this is no game; she's falling in love . . .

Anthony takes full advantage of his all-star status, holding girls at arm's length for one reason: it keeps him from repeating the same mistakes that once led to a devastating heartbreak. When he meets Ty, his assumption that she's just another pretty face is quickly proven wrong. Though he's completely drawn in by this sweet young woman, her intriguing mix of amusing football know-how, and her quiet selflessness, he will not let himself fall in love. But when faced with the reality of losing the woman he's come to care for despite himself, Anthony's resolve is tested. It's getting harder to keep his head in the game when his heart's on the line.

 * Goodreads * Deseret Book * Amazon *

This book was so much fun!  It is the BYU college scene in full force with classes, friends and athletics.  It is also an LDS fiction book and there are religious elements and church events and activities mentioned but nothing overbearing.

Ty and Anthony are both fantastic characters.  Their personalities really shine through in this book.  I love how they both start off playing a sort of game- with themselves and with each other but then things shift and progress and evolve.  Ty is so well rounded and kind.  Not only does she know football as well as any of the team players, she can play like one of them too.  She impresses everyone with her football knowledge and with her quick mind and soft heart.  I really liked Ty.  And so did Anthony!  Except that Anthony tries to play the game a bit longer because he is a bit broken and a bit afraid.

I loved how the author brought in some meatier topics with the OCD of Anthony's sister and the stalker.  It helped give weight and texture to the story.

I enjoyed my time in this book.  My older teenage daughter read it too and loved it.  It was right up her alley.

My thanks to the publisher, Covenant, for allowing me to read and review this title for them.

Rori's Healing (Harmon Heritage, Book 1) by Dora Hiers

Still stinging from the publicity surrounding her father's death, social phobic Rori Harmon prefers the solitude of her animal sanctuary, accepting that marriage isn’t in her future. Racecar Driver Graham Decker refuses to be wrangled into a relationship by another money-hungry female. On a philanthropy mission, he arrives just in time to assist Rori with a llama birthing, but his appearance thrusts her into the media spotlight again. Has Graham found a woman who doesn't care how deep his wallet extends? Has Rori finally met a man who will stick around when times get tough? Is healing for a hurting heart finally within Rori's reach?

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Here's a new, clean romance releasing today!  Dora Hiers is a new author for me and I'm always happy to find new authors to love.

This book caught my attention right away.  Rori runs a animal sanctuary and has quite a few llamas under her care.  One of the llamas is ready to give birth and Rori is looking for a vet to show up and help her.  Graham happens on the situation for totally different reasons, but Rori mistakenly thinks Graham is the vet and he doesn't correct her.  It's a great way to start off the book and it immediately sucked me in.

I loved Graham and Rori.  I loved Rori's support system and how kind they were to her.  Graham is patient and persistent.  He knows he has to prove himself to Rori and earn her trust.  It was good stuff.

The only complaint I have is the cover for this book.  While a pretty cover, I feel like it doesn't represent what's inside at all.  I would have liked to have seen something that represented Rori and Graham better.

I read through this book quickly and had small tantrums in my head when I had to put it down.  :)  I can't wait to read the next book- hopefully about Rori's long lost brother who left his bride (and Rori's best friend) at the alter!  

This is a clean romance- no swearing or sexual situations.  It is also Christian Fiction.

Summer in Snow Valley: A Summer Romance Anthology + $25 Giveaway!

Summer in Snow Valley #1 Bestselling Amazon Authors of Christmas in Snow Valley, have teamed up again with six wonderful summer novellas that are sure to make your summer sweet and sassy!

Catching Caytie by Amazon Top Seller Cindy Roland Anderson On the night Caytie Holbrook intends to break up with her cheating boyfriend, he blindsides her by announcing their engagement at a dinner party. When Caytie discovers her father is in on the scheme, she runs away from her home in Beverly Hills to hide out at her uncle’s ranch in Snow Valley, Montana. While Snow Valley is a beautiful place, Caytie only plans to stay until her twenty-fifth birthday when she’ll inherit a trust fund her grandmother left her, allowing her to pursue her dream to move to Italy. That is until she meets Jace McAllister, an incredibly sexy—although somewhat grumpy—cowboy who threatens to disrupt her plans.

Tin Foil Tiaras by Amazon Top Seller Jeanette Lewis Cameron Elliott has come to Snow Valley to coach Annalisa Drake in the Miss Snow Valley pageant, and prove to her demanding boss that she deserves a place at the prestigious Westbrooke Agency. But Annalisa’s handsome and protective big brother, Kyle, is determined to keep his sister from becoming a reluctant beauty queen. As Cameron tries to win Kyle over, Kyle insists some things are more valuable than a title and as crazy as it sounds, Cameron might just believe him.

A Touch of Love by Amazon Top Seller Cami Checketts Annie Stirland has endured a lifetime of teasing, embarrassment, and isolation due to her speech impediment. When irresistible cowboy, Luke Wilson, seems to be falling for her, she’s certain he’s too good to be true. A tragedy involving his ex-girlfriend proves she’s right. What man can resist sheltering someone they once loved? Annie knows she should walk away, but Luke isn’t ready to give her up.

First Love; Love First by Amazon Top Seller Taylor Hart Janet Snow doesn’t expect to get caught in a full-blown make out session at her brother’s wedding. Especially not with Michael Hamilton, the boy she’d written off ten years ago. Even though they both agree to no complications, Janet's not sure they can stick to it given their past. After a trip to the hot springs, a helicopter ride, and a proposal, even the most cautious single mother would start to wonder if true love really is just about the timing. Now Janet has to make a choice—play it safe or trust that her first love could also be her last.

Romancing Rebecca by Amazon Top Seller, Kimberley Montpetit Rebecca Dash loved spending her teen summers swooning over Jane Austin and helping her aunt at the Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast in Snow Valley. But as a recent college grad, she’d rather write sappy romance novels than go out with guys that make her a nervous wreck. When a team of fire-fighters set up camp on the lawns of the B&B and Captain Wade catches her eye, Becca soon learns that there’s more to a happily-ever-after than a flirty fireman with muscles the size of the Montana hills.

Love in Light and Shadow by Amazon Top Seller Lucy McConnell Mercedes O'Shay has sworn off gorgeous men because they have a tendency to break her heart. When she meets her new neighbor, Chet Bauer, she immediately puts him in the Do Not Date category based on his well-defined muscles and stunning blue eyes. But the more Mercedes learns about the cowboy who reads classics and forges iron, the more she realizes the heart doesn't see in black and white; it sees light and shadows.

I really enjoyed the first collection by these authors- Christmas in Snow Valley.  I was so happy to hear they had joined together again to give me more clean romances in a setting I feel like I now know.  Snow Valley!

As you can see from the blurb above, this book features six different authors each with a novella length story.  Two of my all time favorites are featured in this book- Cindy Anderson and Cami Checketts and I loved both of their stories here.  All the stories were good though and I sure did enjoy my time spent with this book.

I started out reading these straight through but about mid-way I was diverted and had to catch the rest of the book in snatches.  That's the good thing about anthology collections, the stories are short enough that you can read one at a time, here and there, or you can read them all straight through.  There is a continuity with the setting so you feel like you are getting to know the whole town and visiting some familiar places within each book.  I really liked that.

This book is up for 99 cents right now.  That is an AWESOME price!  There is absolutely no reason not so spend a dollar for 6 great stories that will fill your need for sweet romance.  :)

Grab your copy for just 99 cents!

 

Buy Summer in Snow Valley

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  Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/25/15 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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Beyond the Fortuneteller's Tent by Kristy Tate

When Petra Baron goes into the fortuneteller’s tent at a Renaissance fair, she expects to leave with a date to prom. Instead, she walks out into Elizabethan England, where she meets gypsies, a demon dog and a kindred spirit in Emory Ravenswood.

Emory must thwart the plans of religious zealots. His mission is dangerous, his enemies are fanatical, and Petra Baron is a complication that Heaven only knows he does not need. Or does he? Although Emory is on Heaven’s errand, he learned long ago that Heaven does not always play fair.

As Petra slowly falls for Emory, she wonders if he really is who he seems, or if he is just as lost as she is. How can they have a future while trapped in the past? Or is anything possible Beyond the Fortuneteller’s Tent?

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This book started out really slow for me.  I had a really hard time staying with it and pushing through.  But I did, and things did pick up.  I can't really pinpoint what made this book so difficult for me to settle into.  Something in the execution, I guess, because the plot is a good one and even the characters show promise.

Petra is young.  I guess that's how I would describe her.  I didn't really connect to her on a personal or emotional level and I didn't see a lot of growth in her.  Emory is an enigma to Petra as well as me.  I think I got a better clue of who he was as the book progressed, but there is still so much left unsaid.  

The ending?  I'm not sure I buy it.  

I don't know.  I would give this book three stars if I were rating it.  There were parts I really enjoyed but things sort of weaved in and out of enjoyment for me.

Content:  A couple instances of mild swearing.