Review: Christmas on Thin Ice by Holly Blair

Lily Jordan doesn’t need help from anyone. Sure, she’s pregnant and her golf pro ex just ran off with someone else. To make matters worse, her family’s Christmas tree farm is about to go under. But she doesn’t need to be rescued by another man, especially an athlete.

Newly retired hockey player Noah Wright hopes to find peace for himself and his young daughter out of the limelight and back in his old hometown of Juniper Falls. But he runs into Lily and wants nothing more than to fix her problems.

Lily’s bound and determined to take care of herself, no matter what. But Noah knows they belong together, and this time, he’s playing for keeps.

Novella-length romance, approximately 22,000 words. 

Kindle Edition, 98 pages

Published December 22nd 2016 

Series: Juniper Falls #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

Christmas on Thin Ice is the second novella in the Juniper Falls series but can be read as a stand alone. It is about completely different characters but takes place in the same town of Juniper Falls.

I said it with the first book and I'll repeat it with this one. It is the town of Juniper Falls that I liked most about this story. The sleepy little resort town sounded like a beautiful place to be around the holiday season and Lily's family Christmas Tree Farm sounded like an absolute delight.

Novellas are so short that stories tend to happen fast and it is sometimes hard to fully feel the chemistry between the characters. It is also hard to develop characters fully and I feel like that happened a bit with Lily and Noah. Their story was cute but I felt the chemistry was lacking slightly due to the length of the story. There were also a pretty major barrier that was glazed over in the interest of keeping the story short and sweet. A little more attention, in my opinion, needed to be put on Lily's pregnancy and the baby daddy leaving. She seemed pretty quick to jump into another relationship. However, this was a novella and it was a quick story about two would be lovers that took place in a beautiful setting over the Christmas season. It was meant to entertain and it did just that.

As with the first novella in this series, it was pretty squeaky clean with kissing being the only thing described in detail. This story is pretty safe for most ages.

 

Connect with Holly

Website/Goodreads

Review: Dream On (Dreams Come True #1) by Stacey Keith

Deep in the heart of Texas is a small town where secret wishes have a funny way of coming true . . .

With a nine-year-old daughter, an overdue light bill, and a job slinging burgers while zooming around on roller skates, Cassidy Roby is not living the glamorous life. But Cuervo, Texas, has its charms: quiet streets, loving family, and the down-home familiarity of knowing which of your neighbors are mean as snakes. With Cassidy’s reputation, she knows what will happen if she steps a foot out of line. But how can she help it now that Mason Hannigan’s back in town?

As Cuervo’s high school quarterback ten years ago, Mason was all rock-hard abs and yes-ma’am manners. Now that he’s living the glitz and glory of the NFL, he’s all that plus a couple million bucks. The desire blazing between them is too hot to hide. Cassidy has some experience getting her heart broken by the hometown hero—and having the whole world watch her try to pick up the pieces. Will adding fame, fortune, and paparazzi be a playbook for disaster—or lead to the biggest adventure of her life?

ebook, 251 pages

Expected publication: November 7th 2017 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank You!

I wanted to like this story, I really did.  The synopsis for the book sounded so compelling and the option were limitless in the direction the story could take.  Sadly, the story did not live up to my expectations.  Here are my reasons why...

1.  I had a hard time believing that the love you feel for someone at fifteen is the eternal kind.  Yes you can look back on the relationships you had in highschool with a certain level of fondness or perhaps even entertaining the idea of "what if" for a moment or two but that is the extent.  I do not know anyone who is still holding that torch ten years later as an adult with responsibilities such a raising a child.  Due to this, I found Cassidy to be almost juvenile.  While I understand that her youth and innocence were taken away too soon, I also think twenty five year olds do not live in a fantasy world.

2.  Again my issue was with Cassidy.  I like my female characters to be strong.  They may have a ton of baggage but at the end of the day they stick up for themselves and those that they love.  For me, I felt Cassidy was a coward who was afraid of anyone judging her.  While she had to bear the judgement of small town/small minds as a pregnant fifteen year old teenager, again, ten years later she should be over it.  The situation with the paparazzi just infuriated me.  Instead of getting mad, as she should have for her daughters sake if not her own, she coward in a corner and got out of dodge at the first opportunity.  She disguised it as protecting your daughter but what kind of message do you send when you run for the hills as soon as things get tough?

3.  Lack of emotional connection.  I felt the reader didn't really get to see an emotional connection between Cassidy and Mason.  Instead it went like this, they lay eyes on each other after 10 years, there is instant lust, they succumb to said lust and all of a sudden it is true love.  Not how the real world works.  I just didn't buy it, their backstory from when Cassidy was fifteen would not be enough (not even remotely) to evolve their relationship as fast as it did.  If the story stayed focused on lust and physical attraction for a bit longer before adding the L word, perhaps it would have been more believable to me.  Also the fact that all they could think about when they were reunited was physical (while that can be somewhat the cases) it does not consume people as much as it did these two.

Now I want to be clear on one thing.  The above reasons are the reason I struggled with this book.  I happen to like books to have an emotional depth before the physical part happens, or at least a little more lead up and this story didn't.  This doesn't mean that others will feel the same.  Those who like to read stories for the physical aspect, and there is a huge market out there of people who do, this very well could be a perfect fit for them.  It simply wasn't what I was looking for.

About the Author

(from her Goodreads profile)

Award-winning author Stacey Keith doesn’t own a television, but reads compulsively—and would, in fact, go stark raving mad without books, most of which are crammed into every corner of the house. She lives with her jazz musician boyfriend in Civita Castellana, a medieval village in Italy that sits atop a cliff, and she spends her days writing in a nearby abandoned 12th century church. But the two things she is most proud of are her ability to cook pasta alla matriciana without burning down the kitchen and swearing volubly in Italian with all the appropriate hand gestures.

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Review: Her Sweetest Christmas by Holly Blair

Natalie LeClair will never forget the kiss she shared with Cooper King three years ago. Too bad he’s the enemy, back in her life to buy her grandmother’s chocolate company right from under her nose.

Cooper King will stop at nothing to acquire LeClair’s Chocolate Shop and its famed recipe. There’s only one wrinkle. Natalie is standing in his way, and he wants nothing more than to rekindle their romance. Cooper longs to return to just business as usual, but Natalie may be the sweetest distraction he’s ever imagined.

 
Novella-length romance, approximately 17,000 words.

Kindle Edition, 79 pages

Published December 22nd 2016 

Series: Juniper Falls #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

I grabbed this book for free off Amazon thinking that it was time to start into some holiday reading. The season is fast approaching and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit.

This novella is only 79 pages long so it is difficult to discuss the plot without giving the whole story away. If you read the synopsis you will get a good indication of what this book is about.

This novella was a super cute story that took place in an even cuter setting. I absolutely adored Juniper Falls and could visualise myself walking down the street on a winters day looking at all the decorated store fronts. In my opinion, the town was the best part of the whole story. I loved the small town camaraderie and the way everyone looked out for each other. Don't get me started on LeClair's Chocolate Shop. In my mind it was the cutest little shop and did I mention there was chocolate? Seriously, this novella needs to come with a warning label because it made me extremely hungry for all that chocolaty goodness!

On top of the adorable setting there was a sweet romance blooming as well. Natalie and Cooper, while not without roadblocks, were a couple in the making that I enjoyed getting to know. Their budding romance was pretty clean and appropriate for most ages. There was some kissing within the pages but that was it.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first venture into the holiday season with Her Sweetest Christmas and I will definitely be visiting Juniper  Falls Again. I believe there are two more Christmas books in this series.

 

 Connect with Holly

Website/Goodreads

Review: Special Delivery by Judi Lynn

In Mill Pond, Indiana, neighbors always look out for each other. And even though tourists are drawn to the small town’s charms, it’s the locals who fill it with warmth . . .

Traveling nurse Karli Redding doesn’t have many fond memories of her aging grandfather, Axel—or of Mill Pond. But with Axel’s health in decline and Karli on a month’s hiatus between jobs, she volunteers to set him up with the help he needs. The house and her grandfather could both use some TLC. Good thing Keagan Monroe, the very attractive mailman next door, is always ready to lend a hand . . .

Not a lot slips by a mailman, and Keagan appreciates Karli’s dogged attempts to spruce up the neglected property. Painting, fixing the sagging porch, delivering a constant stream of casseroles from caring neighbors—he’ll help however he can, all while keeping his feelings under wraps. A short-term fling just doesn’t fit into his schedule. But with each passing day, Karli’s bond with the town grows a little deeper. Has fate sent her exactly where she needs to be? Karli’s willing to find out, and the first step is figuring out the perfect route to Keagan’s heart .

Kindle Edition, 218 pages

Expected publication: November 7th 2017 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

This is part of the Mill Pond series however can be read as a stand alone.  I have read some in the series and not all, and of those that I have read, this one has been for sure my favorite although I am not sure if it is for the right reasons.  Let me explain.

I absolutely loved the character of Axel.  The thing is, I am not sure if I was supposed to.  He was supposed to be a despicable old man who has done nothing but wrong his children and be mean to others.  The thing is, in this story, he came across a grumpy old man who you looked forward to seeing him spar with others.  Perhaps it was because he met his match with Karli that I enjoyed him so much?  The fact that she called him an old coot to his face and went head to head with him when he dug his heels in.  The moments between these two was the highlight of this story for me.

Of course there is the romance between Karli and Keagan and probably should have been what I was focused on.  This came secondary to me.  Both characters were the type that would do anything for anyone however would defend themselves if they were wronged.  Without divulging the plot, the reader is left with an indication of how their story will play out throughout the book.  This made it more interesting to read as you couldn't wait until the final moment.

As is customary with this series, there is some focus on the town of Mill Pond and its community.  I now feel like I know the town and its people and I am sure for new readers to the series it would be similar.  If a place like this exists in the real world, I want to visit!

One word of warning.  You may not want to read this if you are hungry.  Another common theme in this series is the cooking and food.  This story was full of food that Karli cooked up as well as the townsfolk.  I only wish I could eat as well as the folks in this story.  Lynn must be an avid fan of cooking/food or just really good at research.  I had too put the story down a couple of times because my stomach started to growl!

I'm not sure if there will be more to this series, but if there is I plan on reading it....on a full stomach!

Book Blitz: Eff This Diet by Krissy V

EFF THIS DIET

by Krissy V.

BLURB:

“Big girl you are beautiful”

It feels like Mika is singing about me when I hear his song, except I’m not beautiful … I’m just fat!

When someone asks you to describe yourself, I bet you say, ‘blonde, brunette, tall, short.’ I just say fat.

You can picture me now: blonde, medium height, and fat. I didn’t want to be fat, no one ever does, but I am, and I have to either live with it or do something about it.

Believe me, I have tried to do something about it. I think I’ve spent enough money at ‘Fat Club’ over the last few years that I could have paid for liposuction AND a couple of tummy tucks.

So, enough about me. This is my story, and I hope you enjoy it.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

AMAZON US - http://amzn.to/2wZAFfK

SNIPPETS:

#1.

I know we’re friends, but come on, when you see someone that gorgeous in barely any clothes, you’re going to think about how he is under the engine, if you know what I mean. He gets my engine started all the time.

#2.

So, it has been a VERY long time since my lady garden saw some action. You all know about Charlotte’s web, well I’ve got Kayleigh’s web!

AUTHOR BIO:

I hated English at school! Really hated it! I gave up on English Literature in fourth year because I hated writing stories; couldn’t make them up to save my life. I hated writing precis and I was horrendous at grammar. Having lived in Norway when I was younger, English was my second language.

When I received my iPad six years ago I started reading on the kindle app and wrote to an author about how much I enjoyed her book. That opened up the whole facebook author world to me. I started reviewing books (ironic, right?)  and then started beta reading (even more ironic) after pointing out some big mistakes in a book plot I was reviewing before release.

I realised I had a story in me, yeah I know everyone says that, but I really believed I did. Fourteen books later …. Welcome to the world of Krissy V!

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Sign up for Krissy V's Newsletter: https://www.krissyvauthor.com/

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Review: Beginner's Luck (Chance of a Lifetime #1) by Kate Clayborn

When three friends impulsively buy a lottery ticket, they never suspect the many ways their lives will change—or that for each of them, love will be the biggest win of all.

Kit Averin is anything but a gambler. A scientist with a quiet, steady job at a university, Kit’s focus has always been maintaining the acceptable status quo. A sudden windfall doesn’t change that, with one exception: the fixer-upper she plans to buy, her first and only real home. It’s more than enough to keep her busy, until an unsettlingly handsome, charming, and determined corporate recruiter shows up in her lab—and manages to work his way into her heart . . .

Ben Tucker is surprised to find that the scientist he wants for Beaumont Materials is a young woman—and a beautiful, sharp-witted one at that. Talking her into a big-money position with his firm is harder than he expects, but he’s willing to put in the time, especially when sticking around for the summer gives him a chance to reconnect with his dad. But the longer he stays, the more questions he has about his own future—and who might be in it.

What begins as a chilly rebuff soon heats up into an attraction neither Kit nor Ben can deny—and finding themselves lucky in love might just be priceless . .

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Expected publication: October 31st 2017 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

The synopsis of this book captured me right away and I knew I wanted to read it.  Who doesn't dream about winning the lottery and how it would change your life.  I thought it was a good concept for this story and subsequent ones from the looks of it.

I really liked Ben and Kit together.  Their interactions from the get go captured me and you knew their cool banter would eventually turn hot hot hot.  Something about the two of them just worked, I just can't really explain it so I will leave it to the reader to discover.

Individually I have to admit I played favorites.  I was team Ben the whole way.  While he had some issues communicating, which was comical given his job as a recruiter, he spoke volumes with his actions.  From helping his father, mentoring a troubled kid who needed an outlet, or assisting Kit with her house renovations.  He was simply a giver, someone who thinks of others and gives without expectations.  Kit on the other hand I felt could gain something from some additional counseling to get over the trauma of her youth.  I felt that compromise was not in her vocabulary and although I knew why, I felt her a little cold as a result.  It made the relationship feel a little unbalanced like Ben was doing all of the chasing.  Don't get me wrong, I did like her, I just liked Ben more.

There is also a good supporting cast of characters to keep you entertained as well.  Sometimes I think the "bit" players are just as important to the plot as the main characters as they can add that bit comical relief or sentimental moments or just plain kick in the butt.  This story had them all.

My only constructive criticism is that the story started to feel a little bit long towards the end.  If the 320 pages on Goodreads is accurate, the story read like it was longer than that.  It didn't get to the point of dragging but just seemed long.

This looks to be the first in a series and as the I was introduced to the other two lottery winners in this story, I can't wait to read theirs!

About the Author

Kate Clayborn lives in Virginia, where she's lucky enough to spend her days reading and talking about all kinds of great books. At home she's either writing, thinking about writing, or—during long walks around her fabulous neighborhood—making her handsome husband and sweet-faced dog listen to her talk about writing.

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Review: Ready to Run by Lauren Layne

Jordan Carpenter thinks she’s finally found the perfect candidate for Jilted, a new dating show about runaway grooms: firefighter Luke Elliott, a known player who’s left not one but three brides at the altar. The only problem? Luke refuses to answer Jordan’s emails or return her calls. Which is how she ends up on a flight to Montana to recruit him in person. It’s not Manhattan, but at least the locals in Lucky Hollow seem friendly . . . except for Luke, who’s more intense—and way hotter—than the slick womanizer Jordan expected.

Eager to put the past behind him, Luke has zero intention of following this gorgeous, fast-talking city girl back to New York. But before he can send her packing, Jordan’s everywhere: at his favorite bar, the county fair, even his exes’ book club. Annoyingly, everyone in Lucky Hollow seems to like her—and deep down, she’s starting to grow on him too. But the more he fights her constant pestering, the more Luke finds himself wishing that Jordan would kick off her high heels and make herself comfortable in his arms.

Kindle Edition, 175 pages

Published August 22nd 2017 by Loveswept
Series: I Do, I Don't #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

I was really late getting around to reading this book. Most Lauren Layne books I have read within days of publication. A family illness and a vacation had me putting Ready to Run on the back burner for a while but better late than never.

It is no secret that I am a big fan of all things Lauren Layne. She is one of the leading authors that I go to for my contemporary romance fix. Her quirky characters with their witty and sarcastic banter are classic Lauren Layne and I can't get enough of it.

Ready to Run was the first book in a new series and I am hooked. I haven't looked ahead to see what the next two books are about and I really don't care. All I know is that I will have to read them. This book had Jordan leaving NYC for a small rural town in Montana to recruit Luke for the next big reality TV hit. Think Bachelor on steroids and this is what she was wanting him to sign up for. Leaving three brides at the alter would be great for television ratings. Luke on the other hand wanted no part of it. It didn't take long for an attraction to occur between the two that complicated the end game for both of them.

At only 175 pages it was easy to fly through this book. Filled with amazing characters, a fabulous small town setting and some smoking hot chemistry it gave me all that I have come to love and expect.

The only thing that I was not a fan of was the cover. I know, I know... in the big scheme of things it really doesn't matter. My issue was that I had envisioned Luke as all masculine, built, scruffy, manly, sexy and did I say manly? This cover guy is... well he just isn't.

Great new series that I can't wait to continue reading!

About the Author

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL's ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

Connect with Lauren

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Review: Laws of Attraction (Librarians in Love #3) by Sarah Title

It's taken law librarian Becky Schrader a long time to stop comparing herself to her family of overachievers and hone in on what she really wants--a normal life, white picket fence and all, Mr. Dream Guy included. But before she gets ahead of herself, her girlfriends convince her she needs to let down her hair for once, meet a hot guy and let the moment take over . . .

After graduating from an Ivy League law school and practicing in New York for a few years, the plan for Foster Deacon was to return home to Denver and join the family firm, marry the right woman, shoulder his responsibilities. Except Foster's always been a bit of a rebel, and he's decided to suit up with his family's rival firm. What better way to celebrate than to spend a night with a gorgeous blonde who leaves before he could say, "Good morning . . ."

Becky feels she did the right thing, leaving her lover's bed and not her number. After all, she needs to focus on her job at Glassmeyer & Polak--until the new hire walks through the door . . . with a bad case of happily ever after.

Paperback

Expected publication: October 31st 2017 by Zebra Shout

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

I am no stranger to Sarah Title and her work and I have to admit I look forward to her stories.  They are usually fast paced, fun, and of course a little bit sexy.  This story did not disappoint, it was all of the above.

I won't go in to details of the plot as one can guess how this story will play out based on the synopsis.  Both characters are likeable and it makes you want to root for them.  Even when Becky prefers Foster as the lumberjack....and everyone knows I am so over the lumberjack trend, never got on board, don't see the appeal.  I digress.

If you are looking for a story that does not take itself too seriously, has some interesting supporting characters, and it well written, I suggest this story.  Title has a way of writing that is easy, flows well and makes you sail through the story.  I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

About the Author

Sarah Title has worked as a barista, a secretary, a furniture painter, and once managed a team of giant walking beans. She currently leads a much more normal life as a librarian in West Virginia. Kentucky Home is her first novel.

   

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Book Blitz: The Gentlemen's Club by Emmanuelle de Maupassant

The Gentlemen’s Club

by Emmanuelle de Maupassant

Hungry for a dark romance, filled with mystery, intrigue and the forbidden? The Noire series awaits…

Blurb:

Victorian London, 1898

Lord McCaulay falls under the enchantment of Mademoiselle Noire. Humiliated by her before his peers, he's intent on revenge, but is drawn only further into her web, entering a spiral of erotic obsession. Meanwhile, his path intersects that of young aristocrat Maud, as she struggles to assert her identity against the domination of men.

Download your FREE copy on Amazon now!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ND6R1QE

(Free from 10/15 to 10/19)

Take a peek at the (rather saucy) book trailer here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUnYi2PnVnI&w=560&h=315

GIVEAWAY

I have three paperback copies to send out, so why not drop your name in the hat for a chance to win. I'll add a personalised message to each copy, before popping them in the mail.

Enter Here: https://promosimple.com/ps/c35a

The next in the series, ‘Italian Sonata’, is a sumptuous Gothic Romance. ‘What dark secrets lie within the castle walls? Madness, abduction, imprisonment... murder? The past does not lie quietly’.

Also available on Amazon!

http://amzn.to/2zjpY8u

Review: The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

Find your magic

For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.

Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. Difficult Franny, with skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, shy and beautiful Jet, who can read other people’s thoughts, and charismatic Vincent, who began looking for trouble on the day he could walk.

From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. And most importantly, never, ever, fall in love. But when her children visit their Aunt Isabelle, in the small Massachusetts town where the Owens family has been blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong, they uncover family secrets and begin to understand the truth of who they are. Back in New York City each begins a risky journey as they try to escape the family curse.

The Owens children cannot escape love even if they try, just as they cannot escape the pains of the human heart. The two beautiful sisters will grow up to be the revered, and sometimes feared, aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy.

Kindle Edition, 384 pages

Published October 10th 2017 by Simon & Schuster 

Series: Practical Magic 0

Genre: Fiction/Magical Realism

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Alice Hoffman is not a new author to me however I didn't have the opportunity read her much loved Practical Magic before reading The Rules of Magic. As it is the prequel to Practical Magic it did not affect my understanding or enjoyment one bit.

There is something about Hoffman's writing that sucks you in and keeps you turning the pages. I think that it is her ability to create unique and interesting characters who's stories you want to know. In this case it is three very different teenage siblings who also come from a long line of witches. Don't worry though, this book is not full of sorcery and majorly unrealistic scenarios but rather it is full of magical realism and a hint of the unknown. In fact, it is magical realism at its best. I am extremely picky when it comes to plots that can't happen in real life but I am a fan of this genre if it is done right. Alice Hoffman knows how to do it right.

This book at the heart was about family and the struggles of the three Owens siblings as they grew up in less than usual circumstances. All three had certain abilities because of their heritage but they also had rules that they needed to follow in order to fit in and to have a successful life. One of the big rules was not to fall in love. Bad things were said to happen to the person they fell in love with and it was a curse that dated back to 1620 and their ancestor Maria Owens. Of course it was easier said than done and this story followed the three siblings as they naturally fell or tried not to fall into relationships. As the reader, I was routing for all of them. I wanted them to find love and break the curse and live their happily ever afters but of course nothing is never that simple.

Told from the alternating perspectives of Franny, Jet and Vincent you get the story of each sibling starting in their teenage years and spanning into their late adult life. Each character had unique struggles and a story that was all their own and each one was equally interesting. I found myself caring about the outcome of each one of them. I must admit that it wasn't all rainbows and unicorns and although over all I was satisfied in the end, I wasn't necessarily completely happy with how each of their lives turned out. However, it was their struggles that made them who they were and that I can appreciate.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and now I must read Practical Magic so that I can continue my book relationship with the Owens family. Alice Hoffman has yet to disappoint!

About the Author

Hoffman’s work has been published in more than twenty translations and more than one hundred foreign editions. Her novels have received mention as notable books of the year by The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Los Angeles Times, Library Journal, and People Magazine. She has also worked as a screenwriter and is the author of the original screenplay “Independence Day,” a film starring Kathleen Quinlan and Diane Weist. Her short fiction and non-fiction have appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe Magazine, Kenyon Review, Redbook, Architectural Digest, Gourmet, Self, and other magazines. Her teen novel AQUAMARINE was recently made into a film starring Emma Roberts.

Connect with Alice

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Review: Crazy in Love (A Love & Harmony Romance #1) by Crystal B. Bright

R&B singer Chantel Evans had it all, until the Princess of Love Ballads lost everything. First, a very public betrayal by her lover and the death of her mother lead to a career-ending mental breakdown. Then, at the same time, her attorney makes off with all her hard-earned fortune. The only chance she has of resurrecting her career is in the recording studio her mother left in her name . . .

When struggling country star Truman Woodley has his recording duet with a sultry young singer fall flat at Chantel’s studio, Chantel is faced with a rare second chance—until Truman’s vindictive ex-girlfriend turns the pair’s sparkling debut into grounds for a custody battle over their son. But Chantel has discovered more than sweet vocal harmony with Truman. She’s found something worth fighting for. And when Truman surprises her with a kiss after a live television performance, the whole world will find out just what it takes to be crazy in love . .

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: October 17th 2017 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I have to admit that I have some mixed feelings on this story.  On the one hand it was a wonderful story about self discovery and finding ones way after everything has fallen apart.  On the other hand, I just didn't feel all of the characters.

I will start with Truman.  While he redeemed himself in the end, I found I couldn't really get on board with him.  The way he was so quick to lay judgement on Chantel at the beginning of the story got under my skin and made it hard for me to root for him.  While his love for his son was evident, I really feel like he didn't have his priorities straight.

On the flip side, I was behind Chantel from the very beginning.  It was clear that there was a journey that she was required to take in order to gain confidence and discover who she truly was.  This was fun to read as it showed a character who was willing (eventually) to fight for herself.  She was why I kept reading the story.

At the end of the day this story was about opposites attract, and learning about oneself.  While the story was ok for me, it lacked the wow factor I was expecting.

About the Author

Book Blitz: Kiss Me In Wescott Springs by Holly Cortelyou

Kiss Me In Wescott Springs

by Holly Cortelyou

BLURB:

Escape with two enticing tales of love. Sometimes opposites do attract and just need a second chance love... courtesy of a raspberry puff pastry and an unexpected discovery. And then again, maybe all it takes is a little wine, truffles and a remodel to turn enemies into lovers!

Welcome back to Wescott Springs where it’s always a sweet and sexy romp to love!

KISS ME AT LAST

One tempting kiss will rock his world…

What's better than wine, chocolate and a little renovation magic? A sweet and sexy matchup between a handsome, hammer-swinging contractor, Sean McMallory, and a flirty and stubborn champagne bar owner, Melinda York, who's in a remodel pickle! Sometimes trusting your enemy is the sweetest victory of all.

KISS ME, TROUBLE

Why gamble on a second chance at love?

Six years ago, Cole McCaffrey shattered Alix Porter’s heart into a million scattered shards. But one lucky encounter with flying artwork lands Alix right back into Cole’s lap. With seven short vacation days, can Cole spark their sizzling chemistry and convince Alix of his love, despite the lie that tore them apart?

Available on Amazon!

http://amzn.to/2xF86HT

(99 pennies from 10/16 trough 10/23)

TEASER #1 from Kiss Me at Last

With a smile lurking at the corners of his mouth, Sean had been waiting for an eruption for the last ten minutes.

It was day three of construction, and Melinda had looked far from chipper as she'd schlepped into the wine bar at eight in a slouchy gray sweater, faded jeans, and nondescript running shoes. Her eyes were bleary, and she cradled her coffee concoction like it was the crown jewel in the queen's tiara. She'd winced every time his hammer drove home a nail.

Sean grinned. Hangover, he supposed, and he pounded a few extra nails for good measure as she scuttled into her office. That ought to fix her little red wagon, Miss High and Mighty and her sexy British accent. Not that he'd noticed.

He glanced toward her office door, and there was Melinda, staring at him with a stony gaze through half-slitted eyes.

"Good morning, Ms. York," Sean said in his perkiest voice. "Sun's shining, and it's beautiful out." He fiddled with the chuck on the drill and idly revved it a few times for some bonus noise.

"Is there anything quiet you can do for a while?" Melinda said, her tone was pained.

"Not feeling well?"

"I'm fine. I have some phone calls to make to wine distributors and a little peace and quiet would be divine."

"Go back to your coffee shop for those calls. Unless you want me to take a break already? That will slow me down."

Melinda glared. "I'm trying to get some work done, too."

"Well, ma'am. This is a construction zone, so there's going to be noise. We're not slapping on some paint and hanging a few light fixtures. We're adding beams, ripping out floors. What exactly were you expecting? Should I bring a bowl of potpourri or something?"

"That might help." Her tone was drenched in syrup. "Or do you have a silencer for that drill?"

TEASER #2 from Kiss Me, Trouble

As they walked side by side out of the restaurant, a noisy group of women jostled by them. Alix scooted to one side to avoid a passerby whose nose was buried in her phone. She staggered into a towering potted palm.

The palm fronds swayed ominously, and Alix’s arms flailed.

“Easy there. Don’t take out that tree.” Cole twined an arm around her waist and pulled her close. A herd of butterflies stampeded through her belly. His touch was familiar, but it dazzled her senses as if it was the first time they’d touched.

“I’m not usually so wobbly on my feet.” Alix smiled up at Cole and didn’t move.

Cole blinked and broke into a lopsided grin. “You were pushed.”

“Like Humpty Dumpty? Did she fall or was she pushed?” Alix wrinkled her nose.

“It was a conspiracy.” Cole squeezed her waist and winked.

“Did you pay them to bump me into your arms?” She inched one hip closer to his body.

“That would have been well played.” Cole’s voice lowered, but she could have heard him whisper, for the rest of the world had grown distant. There were no glasses clinking nor bar patrons buzzing with laughter.

“And risky.” Alix let her hands creep up his chest until she could feel the solid thud of his heart. It was strong. It was beating as fast as hers. Staccato.

“I work the angles and the gray areas.”

“But, I’m the straight arrow.”

“Opposites still attract?” Cole’s mouth inched closer, and his scent filled her senses. He was exotic like sandalwood but grounded like cedar. He was heaven.

AUTHOR BIO:

Holly Cortelyou pens sweet and spicy small town, contemporary romances that just may have a kiss of magic or a twist mystery.

On any given day, she’s likely sipping coffee and procrastinating on Facebook or organizing a closet. Holly’s living her own Happily Ever After with an uber-handy, broad-shouldered and delicious husband, a sweet silver lab and a fluffball kitty in sun-kissed Southern Oregon.

She has hazel eyes, a goofy sense of humor and all the rest is subject to change without notice.

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