Tag: fun read

fiction · four star

Playing for Keeps in Starr’s Fall Kate Hewitt

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Description:

As the frozen earth gives way to the first spring crocuses, pushing their way into the warmer air, Maggie arrives in Starr’s Fall. She’s looking for a new start, with her lovable but painfully shy teenaged son in tow.

It feels like the odds are against her, but she’s determined to come out winning this time, and to fulfil her dream of opening up a board game café. But not everything’s a game, and when she finds herself attracted to a man who’s known as a different sort of player, she worries she’s setting herself up to lose.

Zach is funny, surprisingly geeky, and, most importantly, bonds with her son. But Zach is also drop-dead gorgeous, has a reputation around town, and is also ten years younger than her.

When he asks her out on a date, Maggie is totally thrown. She can’t deny she’s attracted to him. But is she ready to risk her heart with another roll of the dice?

A totally gorgeous, unmissable, small town romance, perfect for fans of the Gilmore Girls andVirgin River, from million-copy bestselling author, Kate Hewitt.

My Review:

This is a new author to me, and I enjoyed the story overall—it was a fun read. However, I did find that Maggie came across as more immature than her 40 years, acting in ways that didn’t always match her age throughout much of the story. I really liked Zac, though. He didn’t put up with a lot from others, yet he had the biggest heart when it came to helping those in need—not just people he knew, but anyone who needed a helping hand, including a teenage boy looking for a friend. I loved the small-town feel of the story and the sense of community that Maggie and Ben joined. I also really liked Annie and hope her story gets told next; she has such a friendly, kind spirit about her. She had a gift for calling out things that didn’t seem right or didn’t feel right, seeing situations clearly and speaking up. The author kept this book a clean read, making it suitable for all readers.

Where to Buy the book:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Where you can connect with the author:

katehewittbooks.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Kate’s other books. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · five star

Second Chance Season Emily March

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Description:

From a New York Times bestselling author, a heartwarming story about secrets, sisters, and the enduring power of family ties.  

Zoey Hillcrest thought the hard part was over once she and her fiancé, Cooper, settled on a venue for their destination wedding. But as the date approaches, Zoey faces professional burnout, her estranged mother’s terminal illness, and a worrisome distance from her fiancé. When presented with a excuse to return to Colorado, she flees to the peaceful lakeside hotel to figure out what she truly wants in life.

After all the hard work Genevieve Prentice and her sister Helen McDaniel put into renovating their rustic waterfront lodge, the two finally have time to take a breath and celebrate the lives they’ve built in Lake in the Clouds, Colorado. Then a chance run-in with their latest bride turns their lives upside down. 

Helen has never laid eyes on Zoey before, but something about her feels familiar. And when the three women uncover a devastating family secret, they must make peace with the past in order to fully embrace what the future has to offer. 

My Review:

I was so excited to be able to grab this book and catch up with the sister and their family, and the author did not disappoint with this story. So for me I do not read the description of most books before I read them so I  did not know what to expect and I was so glad with this book. The author did amazing job and getting to all the feelings and keep you sucked in with this story. I could not put this book down. I truly felt I was catching up with friends and not reading a story. The characters were so relatable. Gage took crap from no one and had me chuckle because you never know what he was going to say or do next. Cooper and Adam both loved Zoey so fiercely and protectively only wanting what was best for her. I truly can keep going on all the things I loved about this book but I really don’t want to ruin the fun for you when you read it. Overall this book did not disappoint and the author kept it a clean read. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

emilymarchbooks.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Emily’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

Flirting With Alaska Belle Calhoune

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Description:

A single mom takes a chance on a reformed bad boy in this small town romance, perfect for fans of Brenda Novak and Raeanne Thayne.
 
Caleb Stone isn’t ready to give up his Hollywood dreams. But after a disastrous run on a reality dating show paints him as an unapologetic player, Caleb needs a little time and space to regroup. Luckily, his hometown of Moose Falls, Alaska has both, plus a job helping his brothers run Yukon Cider. Even dialed down, Caleb’s flirtatious vibes are a hit at work, except for one woman who seems completely, totally, frustratingly immune to his charms–—the gorgeous new photographer for Yukon Cider’s upcoming ad campaign.

Single mom Sophia Brand isn’t made of ice—resisting Caleb’s devilishly sexy grin is hard, especially when it’s so often directed her way. It’s just that she’s been burned by handsome smiles before. Now, she’s focused on setting a good example for her daughter, and that means not getting sidetracked by Caleb’s dazzling charisma.

But as they work together on the campaign, Caleb and Sophia begin to let their guard down. Can he prove that beneath his playboy persona, Caleb is a leading man worthy of a starring role in Sophia’s heart?

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book along with this series. The brothers are all given this opportunity to take over the “family” business, but I feel like its so much more than that in this series. I feel like Hattie has set out to teach the boys about finding their true selfs. I feel like that was very much the case with this book with Caleb, he was in Hollywood and lost himself but was so set to go back. Sophia was a fun read the relationship she has with her dad and sister is so close and so fun, they truly are the definition of family. I think the one thing I can say is I felt like Caleb was so hung up on himself he forget on occasions those around him early in the book however you can see as he makes choices with Sophia he lets the walls down and starts really working on who he is. Overall this was fun read and I can wait for more from this family. Also the author has kept this book a clean read so suitable for all. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

bellecalhoune.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Belle’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · five star

The Wrangler’s Christmas Gift Roxanne Snopek

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Description:

When wrangler Colt Boone plans a Christmas visit to thank foster mom Honey Malone for being the one bright spot in his tumultuous childhood, he learns she’s spending the holidays with her recently discovered biological children. He agrees to join her in Grand and film the reunion she hopes will be a new beginning. One problem—Honey’s foster daughter, Emmet Garcia.

Em fears this season of joy will be anything but. She and Honey have been a team for so long, it’s crushing to watch Honey embrace these strangers. Worse, Colt—who has plenty of explaining to do—is prying into old secrets, without sharing his own. The boy she once loved has become a man she can’t trust.

When Honey learns the truth about her beloved JP Malone, the mysterious cowboy who disappeared, leaving her pregnant, Em and Colt must work together to help the woman they love finally face her painful past. In this season of miracles, when the lost are found and strangers become family, can Em and Colt overcome their own wounds and forge a future together?

My Review:

If you’ve ever experienced loss, this book will hit you right in the heart. Roxanne has crafted a powerful, emotional journey that explores grief, personal growth, and the unexpected twists life throws at us. Colt—what a character! He’s the kind of person who’s been through a lot but still has so much heart. His selflessness and compassion shine through, making him a truly endearing character. I have to admit, the reveal of JP Malone’s identity completely shocked me! It was such a twist that I never saw coming, and it added an extra layer of depth to the story. The author kept me on my toes, and that’s part of what made this book so hard to put down. Another thing worth mentioning is how the author managed to keep the story clean, focusing on the emotional and character-driven aspects without resorting to unnecessary drama or explicit content. It’s refreshing to find a book that tells such an impactful story while maintaining a wholesome approach. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The emotional highs and lows, the twists, and the strong character development made it a truly rewarding read. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a story that not only entertains but also tugs at your heartstrings. It’s absolutely worth the read.

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

roxannesnopek.ca

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Roxanne’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

Cowboy Don’t Go Barbara Ankrum

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Description:

Single mom, Shay Hardesty, thinks her life finally checks all the boxes: teenage son and semi-dysfunctional, but loving family, check. New ranch enterprise, check. Heartbreak free? Check. Then her brother hires her old secret crush, the sexy cowboy Cooper Lane to work on their Marietta Ranch. Uncheck! She fears the cattle rustling scandal that tore his family apart could hurt her fledgling business by association. Worse, his hard work and kindness toward her son are breaking down her carefully built walls, risking her cautious heart.

After years of exile training horses in Texas, Cooper returns to Montana to rebuild his life with his dad who’s finally freed from prison. Working on the Hardesty ranch is a blessing and crossing swords daily with the beautiful Shay is a challenge. Changing her mind about him won’t be easy, but he’s loved her since they were kids, and he’ll work hard for this second chance.

But when the ranch experiences break-ins and vandalism, Cooper wonders if the answers will bring him and Shay closer or snap the fragile trust he’s worked so hard to build?

My Review:I really like this book. I liked how the author put a mystery twist to the book. It kept you wondering what was going to happen. I liked Shay, while at first she came off very full of herself she was truly a strong women trying to protect her heart and her family. I liked Cooper as well since he was faced with a lot but still wanted answers for what went wrong with his dad and wanted to make things right all the while trying to protect his own heart from being hurt. There is adult content in this book it may not be suitable for all. Overall this was a fun read and I can’t wait for more from this family. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

barbaraankrum.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Barbara’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

A Baby at Bramble House CJ Carmichael

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Description:

You never know who will be checking into Bramble House in the charming Montana town of Marietta…

B & B owners Amy and Chet Hardwick have their hands full. They’re fully booked, Chet’s new rodeo school is taking off, and they’re both trying to deal with their own complicated emotions about becoming first time parents. Meanwhile their guests are proving to be anything but relaxed.

Edgar Keyes, widowed geologist for the US Park Service in Yellowstone, has returned to Marietta to right an old wrong, but an unexpected attraction to Tami, one of two sisters at the B & B trying to repair their relationship, has him reevaluating his entire life..

Librarian Mackenzie Sifton is on a doctor-recommended vacation to recover from work-related trauma. She’s looking for relaxation, not romance. But when her car breaks down, passing motorist Craig Denton arrives to the rescue with a toolbox and a dinner invitation.

Romance is the air at Bramble House, but a medical emergency has Amy and Chet thinking they need to close. Their guests have other ideas.

Come join the guests at Bramble House in this heartwarming small-town romance that will take you on a journey of friendship, healing, love, and new beginnings.

My Review:

I really liked this book I love reading stories from the Bramble house. I feels like the Bramble house is a haven for those seeking refuge from their everyday life. I loved how the author follows a few characters more then the average two most books do but makes it flow so you don’t feel like you are going to get loss and not keep up. I loved Mackenzie she was faced with a hard situation while she was stubborn and didn’t want to do what was best she found a way that worked for her. I liked Craig he knew what he wanted and spoke his mind all the whiling dealing with hurt like so many of us. I loved how each one of these characters all felt relatable and all felt like your average day friends. Overall I really liked this book I could not put it down it felt like it sucked you in and you were right there with them watching this all play out. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

cjcarmichael.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out CJ’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

The Prodigal Brother Returns Susan Lute

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Description:

It’s time to go home…

Sixteen years after being kicked off the family ranch, widower Blake Lohmen is called home. There’s been an accident and his family needs his help. The timing’s not ideal. A children’s book author, he’s on a tight book deadline and responsible for the care of his wife’s much younger brother. But maybe this is his chance for Blake to make the amends he’d promised.

Following a divorce, traveling nurse and single mom Malorie Harper is not in the market for a man. She and her twins desperately need a change of scenery so she eagerly accepts a summer job offer at a Colorado ranch. The cute small town and gorgeous pastoral scenery framed by mountains feel like a balm to her soul. But on her first day, she walks into a family brawl where her patient nearly falls out of bed while aiming a right hook at her twins’ favorite author.

The uncertain beginning suggests a new chapter for all of them, but can Blake overcome the past, and will this 

My Review:

I really enjoyed this story. I liked that there really wasn’t a lot of push and pull in the sense of a ton of drama. I liked that it was a simple love story that really got to the heart. If you have ever lost a loved one or a relationship you can feel the emotions throughout this book for sure. I really liked Blake you faced a lot alone but also had a huge heart to do what was right. I like Malorie as well she was no nonsense woman what was not about to let crazy bad behavior affect your children or her. I think what I like most about this story were the kids in the story the author did a good job and sharing there story with out getting to far away from the main story line. Overall I liked that the author kept this a clean read and I can’t wait for more from these brothers. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.susanlute.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Susan’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

The Cowboy’s Forbidden Bride Megan Crane

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Description:

Wilder Carey has always enjoyed living up to his name. When he spots pretty Cat Lisle in the seediest bar around, he ignores the bad blood between their families to step in. But his uncharacteristic good intentions scatter when she kisses him—and this unrepentant heartbreaker faces three uncomfortable truths:

  1. He’s been nursing an attraction to an innocent.
  2. He’s not a man built to resist temptation.
  3. And Cat is not only not the little girl he’s been pretending she is, she might be the one woman worth the trouble.

Cat’s over being well-behaved, but thanks to her grumpy and overprotective older brothers, she’s had no choice. Now that she’s ready to ruin her reputation, she lucks into an encounter with the cowboy of her hottest fantasies. Cat knows she’s supposed to avoid the Carey family, but Wilder is everything deliciously naughty and if she doesn’t take her shot, she’ll regret it forever…

Soon Wilder is secretly teaching her every sexy trick he knows, and Cat is falling in love… but what happens when sworn enemies want to go public?

My Review:

I really liked Cat man she is a pistol and she was not going to take anything from her brothers or anyone else for that matter anymore. She was such a fun read I thought for sure that at some point she might come off as winey but I was so wrong, once she set her sight on something there was not detouring her from that. Wilder was a mystery to me for most of the book. He seemed to be holding himself at arms length from everyone but his twin Ryder, which by the way was so fun to read the banter between these two, such typical siblings. I don’t think there was really one hero in this book I felt like Wilder and Cat complimented each other and when one was weak the other lifted them on. There is sexual content in this story so it may not be suitable for all readers. Overall thought this was a fun read and I can’t wait to see what is up with the rest of the bothers and Where tricks are up the sleeves by Belinda and Zeke. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

megancrane.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Megan’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

The Cowboy’s Baby Surprise Kaz Delaney

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Description:

What if he really is ‘The One’?

When up-and-coming lawyer Evie Davis travels halfway across the country to deliver her old friend’s baby girl to the oblivious father, the last thing she expects is an encounter with a rugged Montana cowboy. One who convincingly insists he’s not the father. The second last thing she expects is to have her heart flutter in gratitude at that proclamation. A loner by nature and nurture, Evie isn’t looking for a relationship or even a fling, but as she waits for word on the potential father’s whereabouts, she’s tempted.

As oldest of the Halligan brood, JD Halligan has his hands full running the sprawling family ranch. So, when a beautiful Californian lawyer turns up on his doorstep with a baby she claims is his, it flips his world. He’s definitely not this baby’s father, but can’t ignore the cuteness overload, especially baby Mia’s carer, Evie Davis. Trouble is, he fell for a career-minded city girl once before and that ended in disaster, so he’s not prepared to go there again. But as he opens his home to the new arrivals, sweet baby Mia isn’t the only one winning her way into his heart.

My Review:

This is a new to me author and I was not disappointed. I really liked Evie, she put her life on hold to do something for a friend! Evie had a big heart and a bigger goal of getting and making sure Mia had the best life ever. JD man he was fun to read. He seem to read Evie like and open book and want to push her buttons but at he peeled back the layers he discovered he liked to push the boundaries even more. I love that Cody and Jack gave JD a hard time and made sure to keep him on his toes. Overall while there were parts of this book that were heartbreaking there were other parts that showed that there is good in the world, even in a fiction world. There is strong sexual undertones but overall this was a fun book to read and I can’t wait for more. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

kazdelaney.com.au

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Kat’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

Make it Real Nan Reinhardt

Sarah1 Comment

Description:

They were only faking it….

A landscape designer for his family’s construction firm, Joe Walker, is nearing completion on one of the most important projects of his career—gardens for spec homes that if they wow, Walker Construction will survive. When a freak accident sidelines him with a broken leg, the firm hires a competitor. Her ideas are radically different, but his stalker ex arrives to play nurse, and Joe needs more than gardening help.

After six-years working in English manor gardens, horticulturist Kara Sudbury returns to River’s Edge to help in her grandparents’ struggling garden center. She’s thrilled when Jackson Walker hires her to execute his injured cousin’s designs. Ignoring Joe is difficult because he’s as sexy now as he was in high school and even more stubborn. But when Joe asks Kara to play the role of girlfriend, they strike a deal that will help Joe handle his tenacious ex and put Sudbury’s Nursery back in the black. Kara’s up for the subterfuge…for a price, but then the pretense feels real, and Kara is reminded that every rose has its thorns.

My Review:

I thought this story was really cute. I liked how there really wasn’t a lot of push and pull but straight up story that felt could be relatable. Kara was no non-sense kind of girl you were not going to get anything by her and she was going to tell you like it was. The author through a twist into the story with Kara that I wasn’t sure where she was going with it but it played out perfectly. I liked Joe too he was like the other Walkers we have read about in this series he would not take life sitting down he it bound and determine to see through the project even injured. I Liked how his siblings gave him a hard time but he gave back just equally totally reminds me of my siblings. This story gives you that small town feel for sure. Overall I really like this read I will say this is sexual undertones but all behind close doors so may not be suitable for all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

nanreinhardt.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Nan’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.