Review: Becoming Bella (Ghost Falls #2) by Sarah Hegger

This Christmas, a good reputation can really get in a girl’s way . . .

As long as she can remember, Bella Erikson’s been the unofficial sweetheart of Ghost Falls, Utah. And ever since Nate Evans dipped her braids in purple paint in the first grade, he’s been her dream guy. Not that she minds the attention, but sometimes she wishes people saw more in her than just the girl who still has a crush on Sheriff Evans. She has a life after all, a new bridal shop to run, and more mature relationships to pursue . . .

Nate knows he’s not good enough for sweet Bella. But he’s pretty sure the new guy sending her heart emojis and giant bouquets isn’t either. And when Bella’s suitor turns stalker, protecting Bella isn’t just Nate’s instinct—it’s his duty. Crammed together for safety and really talking for the first time in years, Bella and Nate can’t fight the moment their chemistry turns into pyrotechnics. Whether it will burn them out or light up the sky, only time will tell . . .

Mass Market Paperback

Published September 26th 2017 by Zebra

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review** Thank you!

This is the second in the Ghost Falls series however can be read on its own.  I did read the first but since those characters only played small roles in this story, you don't have to read it first.

I could really identify with Bella and I truly think a lot of woman will feel the same.  She is the typical good/sweet girl that most men put on the off limits list as they are not willing to break her heart.  The type of girl they want to settle down with however don't give a chance to because they don't want to settle down.  I believe many woman will identify with crushing on a guy from afar who doesn't give them the chance because they are not "bad" enough.  Her journey to improve herself and her stuck pattern is also one that a lot of us can identify with.

I had a little more difficulty with Nate.  Don't get me wrong, he was gorgeous and Bella's night in shining armour more than once, it was his opinion of himself.  He felt that he wasn't good enough for Bella because of a few rebellious years in his youth.  As someone who is now police chief, I think he should have been able to shake his low opinion of himself.

Returning to Bella, for someone who was a sweet girl who couldn't find a man, she certainly did gather a good collection of them in this story.  Some worthy of her, albeit friend zoned, and others downright dangerous...her stalker which was one of the main plot points and highlights of the story in my opinion.

Without giving anything away, I can say Nate redeemed himself in my eyes with the golden retriever move.  I was curled up with two of them while reading this story so I was a goner at this point.

One final note.  The book synopsis indicates that this is a Christmas read.  While it takes place over the Christmas period, it is not a true focal point of the story.  I was worried at first because I thought it was too early in the season to start Christmas reading (although my shopping is well under way).  For those who may feel the same as me, no need to worry!

This was a good story in part of a series that I have come to enjoy so far.  my recommendation would be to start at the beginning and then see this series through to wherever it may lead us!

About the Author

Born British and raised in South Africa, Sarah Hegger suffers from an incurable case of wanderlust. Her match? A hot Canadian engineer, whose marriage proposal she accepted six short weeks after they first met. Together they’ve made homes in seven different cities across three different continents (and back again once or twice). If only it made her multilingual, but the best she can manage is idiosyncratic English, fluent Afrikaans, conversant Russian, pigeon Portuguese, even worse Zulu and enough French to get herself into trouble.

Mimicking her globe trotting adventures, Sarah’s career path began as a gainfully employed actress, drifted into public relations, settled a moment in advertising, and eventually took root in the fertile soil of her first love, writing. She also moonlights as a wife and mother.

She currently lives in Draper, Utah, with her teenage daughters, two Golden Retrievers and aforementioned husband. Part footloose buccaneer, part quixotic observer of life, Sarah’s restless heart is most content when reading or writing books.

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Review: You Can't Hurry Love by Lee Kilraine

In Climax, North Carolina, climbing the professional ladder means making the right connections. And Paxton Cates is about to form a partnership he never expected . . .

While his brothers have found their true loves, Paxton remains stubbornly single, and it’s not helping his career. Sure, he’s a successful lawyer, but to become a judge you’ve got to mingle with the right crowds—and without a partner at his side, he’s not getting enough invitations. He needs someone, and soon. Someone like Jolene Joyner . . .

Jolene, a local high school English teacher, has a history of driving Paxton crazy. She’s just too perfect—and she’s never let him forget it. But now Ms. Goody Two-Shoes is in trouble for the first time in her life, and she needs a lawyer. He’ll take her case—if she’ll play by his rules. Six months of socializing should do the trick—if they can convince everyone they’ve put aside their animosity and fallen madly in love. Then they can go their separate ways.

The only problem is that Jolene seems to have developed a taste for bad behavior . . . especially where Paxton is concerned. And instead of just a pretty partner in deception, he’s got himself a new client who’s anything but innocent . . .

Kindle Edition

Published September 19th 2017 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

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

This was great story that portrays the very fine line between love and hate.  Two characters who have been obsessed with disliking each other from an early age but is this obsession really hate?  Or is it something else.

Obviously based on the story synopsis, as the reader you know it is something else.  The fun part is being along for the journey as the characters realize this for themselves.

While this is part of a series that features the Cates brothers, it can easily be read as a stand alone.  While I have read most of the series, I somehow missed the second book and there was zero impact to the enjoyment of this story.  In fact. all can be read on their own but considering it is a good series, why not start at the beginning an read them all?

Overall a good read that entertained me with the right amount of drama, steam and angst!

About the Author

Lee Kilraine is a 2014 Golden Heart® Finalist for her debut contemporary romance, BRINGING DELANEY HOME, the first book in her Cates Brothers Series. If you enjoy Quinn’s story, she hopes you’ll be on the lookout for his brothers, Sijan and Tynan. She loves reading and writing stories with a HEA and if they make her laugh...well, that's perfect.

Lee lives in the pine woods of North Carolina. When she isn't typing away on her computer with her golden retriever, Harley, destroying something at her feet, you might find her on her front porch swing plotting her next book while guarding her garden from the local gang of deer. She has a weakness for dogs, bacon cheeseburgers, red wine and Alpha heroes.

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Review: The Girl Who Came Back by Kerry Wilkinson

Thirteen years ago Olivia Adams went missing. Now she’s back… or is she?

When six-year-old Olivia Adams disappeared from her back garden, the small community of Stoneridge was thrown into turmoil. How could a child vanish in the middle of a cosy English village?

Thirteen years on and Olivia is back. Her mother is convinced it’s her but not everyone is sure. If this is the missing girl, then where has she been - and what happened to her on that sunny afternoon?

If she's an imposter, then who would be bold enough to try to fool a child’s own mother – and why?

Then there are those who would rather Olivia stayed missing. The past is the past and some secrets must remain buried.

Kindle Edition, 303 pages

Published September 8th 2017 by Bookouture 

Kristine's Thoughts:

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

Olivia went missing from her backyard garden and thirteen years later she showed up in her mother's coffee shop. Questions immediately started formulating in the heads of the characters in the book and mine as well. Where was she for the last thirteen years? What happened on that day? Why did it take so long to come back? Who abducted her? Was she really Olivia like she claimed to be? Regardless of the questions and the answers that everyone was dying to know, it was a really great start to what was looking like a really great story.

The story was told from Olivia's point of view after her return but within a few chapters the reader also got to hear a separate story from a girl named Lily. I desperately wanted to know what the connection was between the two girls and how it would all play out. I pride myself in being able to figure out the "twist" or "mystery" early on but I admit that it took me a little longer with this one. Before it was all revealed I had it figured out but it wasn't as easy or obvious as some.

It is always difficult to discuss a book in which it is important not to give away too much so I will keep my thoughts relatively vague where it comes to the plot. I will say that this book was a very easy read. In fact, I had it finished in one day. The story itself was interesting and the unknown aspects were intriguing enough that I felt the need to keep turning the pages to figure out the whole picture. I was unsure of both Olivia and Lily but I found myself liking Lily a little better. The question of whether Olivia was really Olivia stopped me from fully routing for her.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was actually one of the better ones that I have picked up in the last little while. Kerry Wilkinson is a new author to me but after reading The Girl Who Came Back I can assure you that he won't be new for long!

 

About the Author

Kerry Wilkinson has been busy since turning thirty.

His first Jessica Daniel novel, Locked In/The Killer Inside, is a number one ebook bestseller, while the series as a whole has sold one million copies.

He has written a fantasy-adventure trilogy for young adults, a second crime series featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, plus the standalone thrillers, Down Among the Dead Men and No Place Like Home.

Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry has spent far too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.

When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.

Connect with Kerry

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Review: Help Wanted by Allison B. Hanson

Who said mixing work and pleasure was a bad idea?

For Kenley Carmichael, getting fired for sleeping with the boss’s husband is almost funny—at 28, she’s still a virgin. Not that her now ex-boss would believe it—Kenley’s got the face and figure to attract plenty of men, even if she’s never found the right one. A job at New Haven Custom Boats is a chance to start fresh and learn a whole new skill set. Trouble is, she can’t stop wishing her incredibly hot new boss would introduce her to some decidedly un-businesslike pleasure . . .

Zane Jackson needs a new assistant, but when his pregnant sister hires her replacement, she chooses a girl who reminds him of the kind who broke his heart in high school. Zane might not be that shy boy anymore, but sweet, sexy Kenley makes him feel every bit as awkward as he did then—and even hungrier to kiss her. She’s the perfect woman for the job—but he wants her to be so much more.

Interoffice dating can only lead to trouble—unless it leads to true love . . .

Kindle Edition

Published September 12th 2017 by Lyrical Press

Terri's Thoughts

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

This review is long overdue as I have been trying to organize my thoughts on what I wanted to say about the story. I'm conflicted however it is due to personal circumstance so I want to ensure that I am fair.

As far as the actual storyline, there is no need to go in to detail as the book synopsis covers it well.  This is a workplace romance where the two try to mix business and pleasure and all of the awkwardness that ensures.  There is also a sub storyline regarding another one of Zane's employees which I actually enjoyed better.  At first it felt random as it started well in to the story but then I really started to enjoy it.  In my opinion, these two storylines could have been written independent of each other to create two shorter stories and it would have been just as good, maybe even better.

Now to keep my promise of being honest...there are two things that I struggled with.

1.  I hesitate to read many stories in this genre where the girl is still holding on to her V card.  I am no prude and don't expect a girl to wait for the perfect guy, the wedding night, or promises of forever.  What I do feel seems to be important is that if a girl holds on to it until the age of 28, then it means something to her.  In these cases I always feel like it is given up just like that for lust and I am not sure that is realistic.  Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.  It is just my opinion.  I just feel like it was rushed in this scenario.

2.  I couldn't identify with Kenley's reaction in the aftermath of her violent incident.  I feel bad about this but I felt her reaction was a little too much.  This again is personal opinion stemming from a situation I was in that was almost identical however with more people and weapons.  While I understood the alone thing, I went through that as well, I felt the rest was not similar to how I dealt.  This is just a case of my real life conflicting with the story.

Now you would think based on these two items that I didn't enjoy the story.  That is not the case, I just didn't identify with Kenley.  Knowing this, I still like the story and was entertained.  If I am being totally honest, this book caused me to have an hour long debate with my husband about how people handle situations differently.  For that, I thank Hanson as I love when a story makes me want to discuss it!

About the Author

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Review: Breakaway by Sophia Henry

In a standalone hockey romance that tugs at readers’ heartstrings, a broken ex-pro learns to live and love again—all thanks to the complicated, wonderful nurse who gives him a second chance.

Brianna Collins needs to break away from her overbearing family. Her parents expect her to “fix” her brother after a series of concussions derailed his hockey career. Unfortunately, no doctor will give him clearance to play, and she’s finished with being the person they rely on to perform a miracle that will never happen. For Bree, a six-month nursing assignment at a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the perfect escape.


Luke Daniels, former forward for the NHL’s Charlotte Aviators, has spent close to a year rehabbing a career-threatening injury—and distracting himself however he can. Worlds collide when Luke realizes that the girl from his latest one-night-stand happens to be the new nurse at the hospital where he volunteers in the pediatric unit. What’s more, Bree’s the only person who makes him excited about life again.


Despite her initial reservations, Luke can’t help pursuing sweet, beautiful Bree. Then he realizes it was her brother whose career he ended with an accidental hit, and he falls back on the thing that’s always helped suppress his demons: alcohol. But if Luke doesn’t kick his old habits, he just may lose the one thing he loves more than hockey.
  
Kindle Edition

Published September 5th 2017 by Flirt 

Series: Pilots Hockey #5

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Breakaway is the fifth book in the Pilots Hockey series but can be read as a stand alone. I did not have the opportunity to read the first four before reading Breakaway.

I will keep my thoughts on this book short and simple. It wasn't for me and there were two very important reasons why...

The relationship between Bree and Luke was sex first and relationship later. I was not a fan. I like a little between the sheets action in my romance novels but I want chemistry, anticipation and a little build up which makes it hotter when it actually does happen. Without the build up it is just sex and if I'm being completely honest it came across as mechanical and boring. So when the two decided that they wanted more and feeling became involved I had a hard time feeling it or even routing for it. It just seemed fake and dull. There was no anticipation on my part which is half the fun.

Secondly, I felt like there were too many sub plots happening at the same time. A loss of career, recovery from an injury, a possible addiction and a less than ideal family life were just a few examples of what Luke was dealing with. Bree was also struggling to carve a path of her own, worrying about her brother and then to find out that it was Luke that ended his career. It was just way too busy and it totally distracted from the romance and made it hard for me to feel any kind of chemistry between the two even though they were in a sexual relationship from pretty much the beginning.

Although I wasn't a fan of this book I think I would still be interested in checking out the rest of the series. I could see great potential, just not with this particular book. I have enjoyed some of this author's other work.

About the Author

Sophia Henry, a proud Detroit native, fell in love with reading, writing and hockey all before she became a teenager. She did not, however, fall in love with snow. So after graduating with an English degree from Central Michigan University, she moved to the warmth of North Carolina for the remainder of her winters.

Sophia spends her days chasing after her two, high-energy sons and writing books featuring hot, hockey-playing heroes. In her free time she enjoys watching her beloved Detroit Red Wings and rocking out at concerts.

Connect with Sophia

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Book Blitz: Dangerous & Moving by Isadora Brown

Dangerous & Moving

by Isadora Brown

Blurb:

Just because they're forced to depend on each other if they want to survive does not mean they have to like each other...

Clara Fletcher needs a doctor.  Now.

But no one can know or else she can be sentenced to death.  As such, she calls a transporter who won't ask questions.  He takes her from A to B, and he gets paid.  No names.  No story.  No talking.  That's it.

Clara Fletcher passes out in the backseat of his car, despite herself, due to her blood loss.

The transporter is forced to physically take her to the hospital himself.  They make him fill out paperwork.  Except, he doesn't know a thing about her.  She seems familiar but he doesn't even know her name.

He should leave.  But he doesn't.

When the hospital realizes who Clara is and why she's there, they try to detain her.

The transporter should let them.  But he doesn't.

Instead, he helps her escape and now, they're both on the run, being chased across the country.  Their only hope is to make it to California - the only sanctuary across the countries - if they don't kill each other first.

Available on Amazon!

http://amzn.to/2xKn24k

Author Bio:

Isadora Brown loves all things dark, dangerous, and deadly.  Things that go bump in the night and send shivers down backs are things she adores.  She loves (and writes) sexy, forbidden romance, usually with some bite and a hint of magic.  She is the author of The Somerset Series, The Dark Paradise Trilogy, The Stranger Trilogy, and The Neverland Trilogy.  You can find her work on Amazon and keep up with her by signing up for her newsletter here: http://madmimi.com/signups/349869/join

Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorisadorabrown

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Isadora-Brown/e/B06XKYQDV6/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16682983.Isadora_Brown

Review: I Need You Tonight by Stina Lindenblatt

Old habits die hard. But in this sexy, heartwarming romance, a musician who’s addicted to the temptations of the road falls for a good girl who makes him want to clean up his act.
 
Mason Dell’s band, Pushing Limits, is a sensation, and he’s having a blast on their biggest tour yet. Then he gets a call from his best friend, who’s in the Navy, asking him to find out why his sister isn’t answering her phone. The dude once saved Mason’s life from a suicide attempt related to a gambling problem—so the two-and-a-half hour drive from L.A. to her small town is nothing.

What he finds is a sweet, successful boutique owner who’s too busy to notice when her phone dies. Nicole McCormick has nothing better to do than work. She’s bored of all the men she’s been dating: stable, career-oriented guys who are nothing like her destructive father. Mason’s is a breath of fresh bad-boy air. Their sexual connection is explosive, and with her shop undergoing renovations, Nicole even joins Pushing Limits on the road. But when Mason falls off the wagon, that’s one path she swore she’d never go down again.

While Nicole picks up her broken heart and heads home, Mason misses her like crazy. Although he wants to forge a future with her, he just doesn’t know how to leave the past behind. But for love, it’s time to learn.

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 275 pages

Published July 11th 2017 by Loveswept
Series: Pushing Limits #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

I Need You Tonight is the third book in the Pushing Limits series but can be read as a stand alone. Each book is about a different member of the band.

I am pretty sure I mentioned this when I wrote my thoughts on the second instalment in this series but it seems to get better as it goes. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the second and third instalment and the first was my least favourite. I'm really glad I stuck it out. I read this book a while ago but due to some circumstances I was not able to get around to writing about it until now. My apologies if it shows in what I have to say.

The characters in this book were great. I adored Mason and Nicole and I loved the way their attraction towards each other grew. The simplicity of their conversations, the ice cream and movies were so relatable and endearing. Mason won me over easily with his desire to fix up Nicole's house and his contentment in her life away from the band and stardom.

Of course, life can't always stay simple and Mason eventually had to get back to his commitments to the band and brought Nicole into that circle with him. It was no surprise that things would inevitably become complicated and the budding relationship between the two would take a big hit. What is a good contemporary romance without a few bumps along the way to trip things up? It can't be all rainbows and unicorns all the time.

I found myself routing for these two characters from very early on and wanted them to find their happily ever after. Probably because I really enjoyed the characters I found myself flying through the pages and I finished quickly. This book fulfilled all of my romance needs. I can't wait to read the next instalment!

Check out my thoughts on This One Moment (1st instalment) here.
Check out my thoughts on My Song for You (2nd instalment) here.

 

About the Author

Stina Lindenblatt lives in Western Canada, where she loves to dream up New Adult and Young Adult stories, especially those with romance. She loves to travel, and has lived in England, the US, Canada, and Finland. She has a Master’s of Science degree in exercise physiology and has worked with elite athletes. In her free time, Stina enjoys photography, especially the close-up variety.  

Connect with Stina

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