Category: Review Sunday

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Kelly’s review of Seeing is Believing by Erin McCarthy

TITLE: Seeing is Believing
CHARACTERS: Piper & Brady
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: March 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cuttersville, Ohio is full of ghosts, and they all want Piper Tucker’s help.
One guy in town just wants Piper.

Ever since Piper Tucker was young she wanted to be like everyone else, but her uncanny ability to see ghosts always put her on the other side of normal. And the apparitions are showing up now more than ever, desperately seeking help. But what can she possibly do for them? They’ve already been dead for years. Besides, she has a personal concern of her own right now. A real flesh and blood concern—named Brady.

He’s Piper’s childhood crush, and no sooner is he back in town than sparks start giving off heat. For Brady, it’s hard not to notice the sexy young woman Piper’s become, or forget the special gift she had as a girl. And right now it could come in handy, because a long-forgotten murder has been keeping a restless spirit from finding peace. All Piper and Brady have to do is solve the crime to put the specter to rest. But the passion brewing between them is just as restless, and could prove twice as dangerous

REVIEW:
This was a fun book. Although at first I could not figure out why the seeing of ghosts was so important. But in the end I finally learned. Seeing is Believing is kinda a second chance at first love story. Piper has been in love with Brady since she was a little girl. But Brady never really saw her as that. But after so much time apart and Brady’s return to town that all changes.

Only problem. No one thinks Brady is good enough for Piper. But when a mystery surrounding a murder many years ago through Piper and Brady together they both will do some growing up and learn that sometimes it is best not to listen to anyone except your own heart.

I really did enjoy this book even if I am having a hard time writing this review.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Mating Instinct by Katie Reus

TITLE: Mating Instinct
SERIES: Moon Shifter #3
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
Characters: Jayce Kazan & Kat Saburova
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/12/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the beast within struggles to break free, he must learn to be what she needs…

Surviving for centuries, powerful lupine shifter Jayce Kazan managed to stay away from humans until he met Kat Saburova and was consumed by the need to protect her. But while Jayce shared his passion with the human seer, he refused to make her his bondmate—a refusal that caused the end of their relationship.

A year later, an attack that left Kat near death has resulted in another lupine shifter turning her. Furious that he wasn’t the one to save her, Jayce is determined to show Kat that he is the one she should rely on. But the newly turned shifter is still traumatized and worried that she’ll hurt those she loves, unless she can learn to control her inner wolf.

And as Jayce struggles to protect Kat from her own worst instincts and convince her to rekindle their love, the extremists who almost killed her are looking to finish the job

REVIEW:
Mating Instinct is Katie Reus’ third book in the Moon Shifter series. In Mating Instinct we get to see how Kat is adjusting to the events that happened to her in Primal Possession (bk 2, I would suggest reading this series in order).

They say change is good, but that doesn’t mean it is easy and nothing has been easy for Kat over the last year. She has walked away from the love of her life, was kidnapped, tortured and almost killed, then to save her life she has been turned. But even after all of this Kat has still come out on top. Maybe a little scared but she refuses to be anything but strong and more determined. The one thing Kat never planned was Jayce walking back into her life, demanding and on a mission to prove to her that she belongs to him and only him. Forever.

Jayce has tried in the past to protect Kat from his enemies, but he underestimated the humans of the world. Now Jayce had to live with the fact that he didn’t protect Kat when she need him most and it almost cost her, her life. Jayce vows to never let that happen again. Even when Kat puts herself in the crosshairs of her enemy.

I really did enjoy this book. There was two storylines happening at once so I was a little confused. Jayce seemed to be working on a case while trying to protecting Kat. But by the end of the book I understood what and where Katie was going with the dual storylines

I love Jayce & Kat. While Jayce tries to be this big-bad ass enforcer he does have a soft side and we see that with Kat and a new member of the pack. Kat is very brave after everything she has gone through. Stubborn yes, but very brave. Jayce and Kat are a great team and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two.

I am super excited about the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly and Kimberly both review A Shot Of Sultry by Macy Beckett

TITLE: A Shot Of Sultry
SERIES: Sultry Springs #2
CHARACTERS: Trey & Bobbi
AUTHOR: Macy Beckett
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where home can be the perfect place for a fresh start.

For West Coast filmmaker Bobbi Gallagher, going back to Sultry Springs is a last resort. But with her career in tatters, a quick trip to her hometown might get her the footage she needs to salvage her reputation. She just can’t let anything distract her again. Not even the gorgeous contractor her brother asked to watch over her. As if she can’t handle filming a few rowdy Texans.

Golden boy Trey Lewis, with his blond hair and Technicolor-blue eyes, is a leading man if Bobbi ever saw one. He’s strong and confident and–much to her delight–usually shirtless. He thinks keeping his best friend’s baby sister out of trouble will be easy. But he has no idea of the trouble in store for him…

BOTH KELLY AND KIMBERLY GAVE THIS BOOK 4.5 STARS – COMPARE THEIR REVIEWS HERE!

KELLY’S REVIEW:
Oh Man!!!! Book two in the Sultry Springs series is SO good. Trey, ahhhh the sweet Golden Boy finally meets his match in a feisty redhead from California. And to say their first meeting was… will eventful would be an understatement.
I loved the beginning, middle and end of this book so much. I read it in one sitting. I kept saying to myself “just one more chapter and I will put down the book and go to sleep” Needless to say at 2 am I finally did read the last chapter, wiped the tears from my eyes and went to bed very happy.
I love these character, love this series and love Macy!!! I so can’t wait to see what she has in store for our resident bad-boy sheriff, in book 3 Surrender to Sultry (Aug 1, 2013).

Again if you have not jumped into Sultry Springs Texas you really need too. You will be surprised at what can be found behind the doors of a small hick town.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
OK I think I have a new fictional love. Trey totally has me under his spell. I loved the first in this series “Sultry With A Twist” and even then I wanted the next story to be Trey’s but I had no idea how much I would adore this character. There is just something sexy about this unfortunately fictional man.

I enjoyed Bobbi too. She has lived such a hard life and has so many issues of her own but Trey brings out the good in her so easily and while you feel sorry for her at some points she also captures your heart and you love her.

I could not put this book down. I never wanted to finish it and yet I couldn’t wait to see how it would end. While you can read this alone I wouldn’t suggested it. You must read the first one just because you will love it. I can’t wait for the next one “Surrender To Sultry” and what Beckett has in store for Colton!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Jade’s Gamble by Patricia Olney

TITLE: Jade’s Gamble
CHARACTERS: Jade & Trace
AUTHOR: Patricia Olney
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Single mother Jade O’Donnell is desperate. Embroiled in an ugly custody battle, Jade is convinced that being in a committed relationship will up her chances to keep her son. So when the wildly charismatic Trace Banyon walks into her lawyer’s office to inquire about a job, Jade’s willing to bet that he’s the perfect candidate to play the part of loving husband. She just never expects that Trace will steal her heart.

Temptation in the flesh, Trace insists that he will never be tied down in real life. He agrees to Jade’s scheme on one condition: It will mean nothing more than a business deal. But with Jade posing on his arm, Trace can’t help but feel genuine affection—and exhilarating passion. Now his bewitching make-believe wife has the stalwart bachelor considering the two words he has sworn will never pass his lips: “I do.”

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this short story and the characters of Jade and Trace. They have a connection right from the start of the story.

Because it is such a short story I felt some things were missing like there is not enough about the ex husband and I was saddened that we did not get Lucas’ reaction about the ending.

I think in general this story could have been more in-depth but that being said the story is good and is an enjoyable quick read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly’s review of SECRET by L. Marie Adeline

TITLE: SECRET
CHARACTERS: Cassie
AUTHOR: L. Marie Adeline
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In S.E.C.R.E.T there are…
No Judgments. No limits. No shame.

Cassie Robichaud’s life is filled with regret and loneliness after the sudden death of her husband. She waits tables at the rundown Café Rose in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to her solitary one-bedroom apartment. But when she discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman at the café, Cassie’s world is forever changed. The notebook’s stunningly explicit confessions shock and fascinate Cassie, and eventually lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies. Cassie soon immerses herself in an electrifying journey through a series of ten rapturous fantasies with gorgeous men who awaken and satisfy her like never before. As she is set free from her inhibitions, she discovers a new confidence that transforms her, giving her the courage to live passionately. Equal parts enticing, liberating and emotionally powerful, S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T is a world where fantasy becomes reality.

REVIEW:
First I want to say I enjoy reading erotica so I wanted to enjoy this book but I couldn’t. Yes the sex scenes are hot the rest of it is just not worth it. If this society existed I might even join it because I think it is empowering to women and I will give the author that much. If you read this book and it empowers you to enjoy yourself, your life and your sex then by all means read it but I just never connected with Cassie.

I want to read the erotica where there is a romance to it. I want to know that in the end the H/H will be together… I want the HEA and this just didn’t do that for me.

That being said I can certainly understand those who loved this book. I think it has so much potential and the right kind of reader would love it… that is just not me.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly’s review of Love & A Blue Eyed Cowboy by Sandra Chastain

TITLE: Love And A Blue-Eyed Cowboy
CHARACTERS: Fortune & Hunter
AUTHOR: Sandra Chastain
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunky cowboy Hunter Kincaid is bruised, broke, and brash enough to think that he can win the top prize in a motorcycle scavenger hunt through the backwoods of Georgia. What he doesn’t count on is being saddled with Fortune Dagosta as a partner. After locking horns with the back-seat driver, Hunter soon hopes to lock lips. Can a loner of the open road be a lover with an open heart?

Fortune has no idea how she’ll survive a week on the road with a smartass like Hunter. But she needs the money from the race to put a new roof on her halfway house for troubled kids—and Hunter’s her best shot at first place. Despite a few bumps on the way, Fortune finds herself lost in Hunter’s deep blue eyes. Neither expects the attraction to last, but Hunter and Fortune have embarked on the ride of their lives.

REVIEW:
This story is so adorable. First let me say some of the things are dated since it was originally released in 1992 apparently. There are references to talking to Minnie Pearl, Barbara Mandrell, etc but the names are either unknown to the modern reader (Mandrell) or the person has passed away (Pearl) so that was a little dated but the rest of the story is really cute.

Imagine the “Amazing Race” in the Carolinas & Georgia. That is what this book is about. Two strangers thrown together following clues to win the race and make money. But they have their own reasons for wanting the money. The journey with these characters is sweet. Hunter is just an all around good guy and Fortune is almost too sweet for words but something about her makes her human and not icky sweet.

This is an adorable book to have for that winter day curled up on the couch in front of the fire (that is what I did).

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Release Me by J. Kenner

TITLE: Release Me
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

REVIEW:
This is a very intense book. Not because of the sex which is actually relatively low key, yet exciting. I mean the characters. We learn mostly about Nikki in this story and she has a very intense past. Her pain is almost palpable on the pages. I did expect a slightly different reason for her pain (a more dramatic reason) so I was a little disappointed in the simplicity of her reasoning for doing what she does but that does not make it any less extreme.

This book will be compared to 50 Shades Of Grey (aren’t all erotic stories now?) and while I can understand the comparison because there are similarities it would not be fair. However, it will be because the synopsis itself is claiming if you like Shades you will like this. But while I reviewed Shades as a haunting love story, this book is more of an intense romance. Damien is very romantic, sweet and there is never a hardness about him. And Nikki is not an innocent.

Yes if you liked Shades you will probably like this book too but not because there is a comparison but because it is the same genre. I assume in the next book (Claim Me) that we will learn more of Damien’s story. Which I look forward to.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire

TITLE: Making Him Sweat
CHARACTERS: Jenna & Mercer
AUTHOR: Meg Maguire
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/19/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s hitting below the belt…

Round 1
In this corner is admittedly romantic Jenna Wilinski, who’s inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. With it, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business…provided she can take on the very intimidating—and wickedly hot—boxer who stands in her way!

Round 2
In the far corner is former pro boxer Mercer Rowley. He’s the only one who can protect his “home”—even if it is a little run-down— from his determined and feisty little opponent. But man, once the gloves come off, his hands just want to touch her everywhere…

Round 3
This matchup is too close to call. But no matter which contender comes out on top, the other is sure to enjoy every minute of it…

REVIEW:
2.5 Stars
I found this book to be almost boring to be honest. The characters did not connect at all. Something was just off with the characters and the writing. I really wanted to enjoy this story but I just couldn’t. I also wanted to think that maybe this was the first book from this author because I did see a lot of potential but I looked it up and she has written quite a few stories so I am not sure why this book just didn’t click.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Jennifer’s review of Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan

TITLE: Winterblaze
AUTHOR: Kristen Callihan
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Once blissfully in love….Poppy Lane is keeping secrets. Her powerful gift has earned her membership in the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals, but she must keep both her ability and her alliance with the Society from her husband, Winston. Yet when Winston is brutally attacked by a werewolf, Poppy’s secrets are revealed, leaving Winston’s trust in her as broken as his body. Now Poppy will do anything to win back his affections….

Their relationship is now put to the ultimate test… Winston Lane soon regains his physical strength but his face and heart still bears the scars of the vicious attack. Drawn into the darkest depths of London, Winston must fight an evil demon that wants to take away the last hope of reconciliation with his wife. As a former police inspector, Winston has intelligence and logic on his side. But it will take the strength of Poppy’s love for him to defect the forces that threaten to tear them apart.

REVIEW:
I have been waiting a long time to finally learn Poppy and Winston’s story and Kristen Callihan doesn’t disappoint in her latest installment in the Darkest London series. This is a heart-wrenching tale of a couple that has to battle a demon from the depths of hell to protect their true love. Poppy has always been an interesting character to me as the oldest Ellis sister and we finally learn her supernatural ability that she has gone to great lengths to keep hidden. Poppy was also protecting other deep dark secrets in this novel that would threaten to destroy her relationship with her husband and her family if they became known. I was quite irritated with Winston’s character in the beginning because he had separated from Poppy when he learned one of these secrets and instead of standing by her, decided it was best that they go their separate ways. This secret destroyed his image of Poppy and considering he was holding secrets of his own, made me angry with his character. Poppy was such a strong character in my eyes with all the responsibilities that she had to deal with and had wanted to make the best of the situation even if it meant not living with her husband anymore.

During the course of the novel, they were able to make amends and join forces to hunt a deadly demon, Isley, who threatened Winston’s life and his future with Poppy. He was intent on taking Winston’s soul unless Winston was able to discover the identity of a Moira Darling and the object that she had stolen from this deadly demon. The journey to find Moira Darling brought Poppy and Win closer together but also unearthed secrets that neither had wanted to come to light. I enjoyed learning about Poppy and Winston’s relationship and courtship which appeared via flashbacks during the course of this novel. Kristen is an amazingly talented author and each novel seems to be better than its predecessor in this dazzling paranormal Victorian world. I can’t wait to read her next novel, Shadowdance, which continues the adventures of Jack Talent and the beautiful yet elusive Mary Chase.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly’s review of Three Sisters by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Three Sisters
SERIES #: Blackberry Island #2
CHARACTERS: Andi/Boston/Deanna
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After Andi Gordon is jilted at the altar, she makes the most impetuous decision of her life – buying one of the famed Three Sisters Queen Anne houses on Blackberry Island. Now the proud-ish owner of the ugly duckling of the trio, she plans to open her own pediatric office on the first floor, just as soon as her hunky contractor completes the work. Andi’s new future may be coming together, but the truth is she’s just as badly in need of a major renovation as her house.

When Deanna Phillips confronts her husband about a suspected affair, she opens up a Pandora’s Box of unhappiness. And he claims that she is the problem. The terrible thing is, he’s right. In her quest to be the perfect woman, she’s lost herself, and she’s in danger of losing her entire family if things don’t change.

Next door, artist Boston King thought she and her college sweetheart would be married forever. Their passion for one other has always seemed indestructible. But after tragedy tears them apart, she’s not so sure. Now it’s time for them to move forward, with or without one another.

Thrown together by fate and geography, and bound by the strongest of friendships, these three women will discover what they’re really made of: laughter, tears, love and all.

REVIEW:

LIVE ~ LOVE ~ LAUGH
These are the best words to describe the ladies of the houses known as the Three Sister. One friend needs to learn to live again after the death of her baby. One friend needs to learn to love and trust again after a relationship ends. And one just needs to learn how to laugh and not take life so seriously.

This is not a story of romance (but of course there is some). However this is a story about love. Learning to love yourself and the women who have become your friends. Each story is told only from the female point of view with three different yet intertwined stories. They are heartbreaking and emotional. The stories leave you sad, angry, happy and renewed. The women that Susan Mallery has given us are so different that at first I thought I wonder which one of these women I will relate to and I found I somehow related to all of them in some way. I was the woman left with a broken heart wondering if I should or could love again, I was the woman who had lost something so incredibly special I wondered if I could be whole again and I was the woman who had done everything to be the woman I was supposed to be and was not sure if it was enough. I think every woman has been these women at some point in their lives. No, not all at once but over time and years.

These women were so poignant that it was hard not to feel the emotions of each as I read their stories and finally decided to just stop trying to fight the feelings and embrace them. I cried, I smiled, I wanted to be at their table having wine and giving them my opinion of what they needed to do.

This is not Fool’s Gold. This is real life encompassed in one single book. How Susan Mallery got through the writing of this book with all the emotions she poured into it I will never know but I am glad she did. I am a better person for “knowing” these three women because I see myself in each of them and realize every woman should spend more time LIVING ~ LOVING ~ AND LAUGHING.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kelly’s review of Edge Of Dawn by Lara Adrian

TITLE: Edge of Dawn – Midnight Breed #11
Characters: Mira & Kellen
AUTHOR:Lara Adrian
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts

REVIEW:
It was great to be back in the world of the Midnight Breed. 20 years in the future from the last book (#10 Darker After Midnight) the world has changed and all the kids are grown up. I will admit it was a little strange to go from seeing Mira a little rambunctious girl in Darker too this strong warrior woman in Edge of Dawn. But once you get over the time lapse you will be totally fine.

The world is not much better then when we left it at the end of Darker. The Breed has been out in the open and humans still fear them. Wars have raged. People both Breed and human have been lost. The Breed & human are trying to find a way to live peacefully. But not all is what it seems and soon a new enemy emerges that will threaten everything that the Breed has been trying to do for the last 20 years.

Edge of Dawn brings most of the original Breed members back to this story to fight against this new enemy. And since I really don’t like to give spoilers…..

Edge of Dawn is Mira & Kellan’s story And it is a great story of love, loss, betrayal and learning to trust again. I really, really, really, loved this story and loved the new elements that Lara brings to this new world of the Midnight Breed.

I will tell you that I did need a tissue a time or two. I loved to see some of my favorite’s back (even if my favorite was only mentioned) and I have a few new favorites among the younger Breed members now too.

I am very much looking forward to where Lara is going to take us with this new Breed of characters and what she has in store for us with this new enemy.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly’s review of Bungalow Nights by Christie Ridgway

TITLE: Bungalow Nights
SERIES #: Beach House #2
CHARACTERS: Layla & Vance
AUTHOR: Christie Ridgway
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Return to USA TODAY bestselling author Christie Ridgway’s Crescent Cove, California, where the magic of summer can last forever… Combat medic Vance Smith made a promise to a fallen officer: to treat the man’s young daughter to an idyllic vacation at Beach House No. 9. One month, some sun and surf, a “helmet list” of activities to check off and Vance will move on. But the “little girl” he’s expecting turns out to be a full-grown woman. With silky hair, big brown eyes and smelling sweetly of the cupcakes she makes for her mobile bakery, Layla Parker is irresistible. And Vance shouldn’t lay a finger on her. Honor-and one heck of a scarred heart-says so.

To Layla, Vance is a hero who was injured trying to save her father’s life. She intends to spend their month of lazy days and warm nights taking very good care of the gorgeous soldier-inside and out…

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this book but I am not sure it was one of my favorites from Ridgway. I enjoyed the story of Vance and Layla. I thought they had a very good chemistry and I enjoyed reading their story. Both of their stories were sad and yet sweet. In the beginning I was not sure about the relationship between Vance and Layla. It seemed a little forced but then it really began to grow. I just wish it had not taken so long. The story of Layla’s dad was just heartbreaking.

However, I just never got into the story of Baxter and Addy. I usually enjoy a background romance but those two had no chemistry at all.

This is the second in the series but it can mostly certainly stand alone. If this is the first time you are reading Ridgway then read the first in the series before this one. Do not base the author solely on this book. I love everything this author writes and this was not an exception it just will not be high on my favorites.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts