Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Melissa Foster's Finding My Girl Available Today!



FINDING MY GIRL is the graphic image companion booklet to the contemporary romance novel, LOVE LIKE OURS. This booklet contains heartfelt messages and illustrations from Derek to Talia (hero/heroine) that tell a story of their own, and reads like a love letter!

If this is your first Melissa Foster book, please note that Finding My Girl is not a novel, a novella, or even a typical short story. It is a graphic companion booklet to the full-length contemporary romance novel, Love Like Ours, featuring Talia Dalton and Derek Grant. In Love Like Ours, one of the many ways Derek shows his love for Talia is through cute and loving sketches depicting their lives as they came together. Finding My Girl is a collection of those images, along with a couple of images that Jonah, Derek's father, had drawn for his wife, Eva. Within these pages you will also find heartfelt messages from Derek to Talia that are not found in the original novel. As a bonus, the first chapter of Love Like Ours is included in the back of the booklet.

Buy Links KINDLE*PAPERBACK*AUDIO*


For more romances set in Sweetwater, check out the other titles in the Sugar Lake series.

Click here for Susan's Review of The Real Thing

Click here for Susan's Review of Only for You.









Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.




Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Review of His Duchess at Eventide by Wendy LaCapra

His Duchess at Eventide

(A Legend to Love, #11)
(Mythic Dukes #2)
by Wendy LaCapra

Lovers reunited, a dukedom reclaimed—the Regency meets the Odyssey
Lord Cheverley, son of the Duke of Ithwick, never wanted to go to war, but when he eloped against his father’s wishes, the furious Duke forced him to choose—either take a naval commission, or have his marriage annulled. Devastated physically and emotionally by seven years of war, a shipwreck, and six years in the captivity of a brutal pirate, Cheverley returns to England to find that the courts have declared him dead, and his wife is entertaining suitors. Should he demand his rightful place, disrupting his family’s lives, or should he return to sea, seeking vengeance against the pirate? He sets out to find the answer in disguise.

Penelope once believed in love, but then the man who swept her off her feet deserted her, leaving her and her unborn child utterly alone. Now a widow, she will do anything to protect her son, including enlisting the aid of a mysterious sea captain to uncover the true intentions of her devious suitors. When the captain awakens something in Penelope she thought long dead, she begins to suspect he is no stranger. But, as they peel back the layers of a deadly plot, can this broken family heal their wounds in time to save what really matters?

I have an intentional habit of not reading the description of a book before I read it, so I was in for a lovely surprise with His Duchess at Eventide. It is the second book in the series Mythic Dukes but reads well as a standalone. His Duchess at Eventide is a tale that is all things fabulous, mythical and epic.

This is such an emotional book with amazing characters. Lord Cheverley the hero and Penelope the heroine are complex interesting characters that have been through trials over an extended period of time before the book even starts. Cheverley has been lost at sea tortured, imprisoned and unable to return to his wife and son. Penelope has been home dealing with the hostile manipulative relatives of her husband, as well as managing her husbands estate and raising her son without his father.

Once Cheverley returns home in disguise the intrigue begins. Chev isn't sure if and when he should reveal himself to Penelope. He has suffered terribly in both body and mind in the time away from his family. Penelope on the other hand has grown from a young woman into someone who handle just about anything. Penelope is a terrific strong character and how she handles the conflict that she faces is really clever. One of my favorite lines is when she says, "You always told me never to accept a challenge you did not define."

The romance is bittersweet but tender. The attraction between Cheverley and Penelope has not dimmed and how they come together is handled beautifully.

The Odyssey theme is underlying but you don't need to have read the Odyssey to enjoy this book. If I have read the Odyssey it's long forgotten. Who am I kidding, I've never read it! You do get a sense that this story is epic and that the challenges the characters face are part of a bigger picture. The authors notes at the end of the book fill in any gaps for the curious and I really enjoyed reading where Wendy's ideas and research came from.


His Duchess at Eventide is absolutely a terrific read. It reminds me of one of my favorite John William Waterhouse paintings, Miranda -The Tempest. A complex, emotional and romantic read on many levels. This is the first book that I've read by Wendy LaCapra but it definitely won't be the last. I'd love to listen to it in audio, because it so lyrical and Wendy has such a beautiful way with words. I know Chev, Penelope and their romance will have a firm place on my ebook keeper shelf and in my memory. I'm looking forward to back tracking and reading the first book in the Mythic Dukes. If you are a stickler for reading order look for look for Her Duke at Daybreak (Mythic Dukes #1).

5 Stars
🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊
Reviewed by Kixcatmom ,
ARC provided by author/publisher
Image: John William Waterhouse [Public domain]

Historical Romance Author Wendy LaCapra has been reading romance since she sneaked into the
adult section at the library and discovered Victoria Holt & Jane Aiken Hodge.  From that point on, she dreamed of creating fictional worlds with richness, intrigue and passion. Her stories have placed in several contests, including the Romance Writers of America®’s RITA® and Golden Heart®. She lives in NYC with her husband and loves to hear from readers. For new release and sale alerts, sign up at http://bit.ly/GetWendyNews



Monday, December 3, 2018

Susan's Review of Cindy Kirk's Holly Pointe and Mistletoe



The best gift of all is the one you share with someone else. . .




After losing her family, her boyfriend, and her job, Stella is on the verge of being ho-ho-homeless. Out of desperation, she accepts an assignment to write a story on Holly Pointe, Vermont, the tiny town recently crowned the ‘Capital of Christmas Kindness’. If she can prove the town’s holiday spirit is a sham, her Editor promises Stella will start the New Year with a new career.

Rancher Sam Johnson is Holly Pointe’s resident Grinch--at least in the eyes of the tinsel-loving townspeople. It’s not that he doesn’t like the lights and the carols. It’s that they remind him of the brother he lost. Christmas is a time for family, and if Sam can’t have that, then he prefers to spend the holiday alone. But when Stella blows into town on a wild winter wind, the frosty walls around Sam’s heart thaw.

Charmed by Holly Pointe, Stella is torn. She doesn’t want to betray the friends she’s made, but she’s scared to give up the life she knows. And then there’s Sam. She never expected to fall in love with someone so different from her, yet that’s exactly what has happened. While Stella searches for a solution, the real reason for her arrival in Holly Pointe is discovered. Now, it’ll take a true Christmas miracle for Sam and Stella to make this holiday a happy one.



I enjoyed reading Cindy Kirk’s Holly Pointe and Mistletoe. The premise of the story intrigued me. A journalist was sent to Holly Pointe, Vermont during the holidays to write an expose not a flattering piece, on the town. A negative article at Christmas? Despite my initial concerns, the novel’s small town setting and fabulous characters drew me into this holiday read.

Stella Carpenter is running out of options; she’s been unemployed for three months, she has nowhere to live and her boyfriend dumped her. Stella receives an all-expenses paid assignment from her former editor. Her editor doesn’t want a fluff piece-she wants Stella to write an expose about the town that’s been named the Christmas Capital of the United States. Stella grabs the assignment and hopes that it will lead to a full time job.

It took me awhile to warm up to Stella. She skates around the truth, cozies up to the town leaders and secures a job as a social media photographer on her first day in town. I adore Cindy Kirk’s small town slice of life stories and the characters who add color and depth to the story. Through her friendships with Faith, Melinda and Sam, Stella understands that kindness, friendship and trust are part of the fabric of this small town. I loved the scene which takes place at Faith’s gift shop; Stella is asked if being a reporter is much as who she is as much as what she does? This talk about integrity shakes Stella to the core.

With its message of forgiveness and kindness, Holly Pointe and Mistletoe is a fabulous holiday read. The characters are not perfect; instead they are relatable. Their stories are filled with love, compassion and hope. Reading this novel emphasizes the small town values of honesty, community and faith-each character exemplifies these values when they interact with Stella. Her personal and professional decisions drive the story towards its satisfying conclusion.

Grab a cup of tea and your favorite blanket or corgi—and settle in for a fabulous afternoon read. This book is a holiday treasure.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author



Saturday, December 1, 2018

Susan's Christmas Past Review of Christmas at Two Love Lane

My review of Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer was first published last year in 2017. I noticed that it is on sale right now. You won't want to miss this one, it’s one of my favorites - I loved Deacon and Macy's story--and the secondary chararcters were awesome..think 4 corgis!


The best gift of all is the one you share with someone else. . .



From the moment he strode through the iron gate and into the offices of Two Love Lane on a crisp December day, it was obvious that Deacon Banks was something different. He wasn’t a Charleston native, not with that adorable Yankee accent. And unlike the usual client at the elegant matchmaking agency, he had no interest in finding a woman to marry—just a few no-strings dates while he was in town.

Macy Frost takes her professional services very seriously—how could she not, when she’s rumored to be a direct descendant of Cupid? Tech entrepreneur Deacon says he’s just trying to make his social-climbing aunt happy by being seen out and about with a few prominent beauties, but Macy insists she can make her client fall in love…for real. And Deacon can’t help but think she might be right. As charming as the palmetto trees and magnificent harbor may be, it’s the beautiful, breath-of-fresh-air Macy who’s become Deacon’s favorite part of the scenery. But can the hopelessly romantic Southern belle stop trying to fix him up and just let Cupid do his work on her own heart?



Kieran Kramer is one of my go to authors. I adore her books because she excels at creating slice-of-life novels. Ms Kramer creates characters that resonate with the reader and she crafts emotional, heartfelt storylines which draw the reader into the story. In Christmas at Two Love Lane, Ms. Kramer pairs Deacon Banks, a savvy New York City businessman with Macy Frost, a charming Charleston, South Carolina socialite and matchmaker.

I adored the premise of this holiday themed romance. Deacon is spending the month of December in Charleston visiting with his newly retired aunt. Fran Banks is a famous talk show host who has relocated to Charleston with her houseman George and four corgis. Deacon knows his aunt is a force to be reckoned with but, wants to please her because Fran raised him after his parents died. Fran’s fondest desire? She’d love Deacon to marry, preferably a southern girl, so she can be part of the Charleston society. Deacon’s gift to Fran for Christmas? A series of dates arranged by Macy’s matchmaking business.

Deacon Banks epitomizes my image of a New York business man; he’s determined, resourceful and goes after what he wants. He doesn’t believe in love and doesn’t understand Macy’s calling as a matchmaker. I enjoyed the back and forth banter between Macy and Deacon; their conversations were heartfelt, funny and honest and their chemistry sizzled from the first page of the book. The romance between the couple is well paced. Deacon was attracted to Macy and with each one of his dates it was apparent that he was falling for her. The author does a fabulous job integrating the cast of secondary characters into the story. Loved George’s relationships with Fran and Deacon; their conversations were spot on and added spice to the novel. Deacon makes a strategic error in his pursuit of Macy. Can she forgive him when she uncovers the truth?

Christmas at Two Love Lane is a delightful read! The charming, larger than life characters, the witty dialogue, the southern setting add to this sweet perfectly paced romance. I can’t wait for the next story in the series.

Thank you Kieran from the Rose-Haven corgis for the shout out! You captured the corgi spirit and fondness for snacks perfectly!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by St Martin's Press

(This interview was from 2017)

When do the holidays official start for you?
Thanksgiving Day, as soon as I turn on the TV to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! Can’t miss the Rockettes segment, ever!

What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?
Inhaling the delicious scent of the Christmas tree, seeing the twinkling lights, hanging out with the family and our friends.
Are there any holiday traditions you do every year without fail?
I always make frosted sugar cookies, and I always try to watch as many Christmas movies as I can. I also try to go to the Holiday Boat Parade in Charleston harbor!

What’s your favorite holiday movie?
It’s a Wonderful Life; I never get tired of it!

Do you have a favorite holiday book?
Definitely How the Grinch Stole Christmas….

What’s your all-time favorite holiday song?
Away in the Manger sung by Julie Andrews–the UK version of the melody

What’s your favorite activity during fall or winter?
baking bread, using my crockpot, reading cozy books, buying myself winter clothes, going to parties, eating holiday cookies

What’s your favorite gift you’ve ever received or given?
My favorite gift is having my family all together in one place. Nothing matters more. Sometimes we can’t all be together, so I cherish the Christmases that we can celebrate under one roof.

Do you have any items on your wish list this year?
Yes, having my own little family together again–the last two years some of us have been overseas. But if I have to mention something from the store, I’d love to have some canvases and paint and painting lessons!

Any resolutions or goals for next year?
Yes, to slow down and get centered, to really look around each day and marvel at this beautiful world filled with people who all want to love and be loved. I refuse to let the haters in. Oh, and I have to keep dancing to my Alexa, haha!!


USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer writes fun romance novels for St. Martin's Press. SECOND CHANCE AT TWO LOVE LANE is on sale August 28, 2018! A former journalist and English teacher, Kieran's also a game show veteran, karaoke enthusiast, and general adventurer. She lives where she grew up-in the Lowcountry of South Carolina-with her family. Find her on Instagram (her favorite place to hang out), as well as on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and at https://kierankramer.com.

Watch Christmas at Two Love Lane's  video here;         https://animoto.com/play/HexKofxdqY0QFECWuXSe8A




Friday, November 30, 2018

Review of The Mysterious Lord Millcroft

I finished reading The Mysterious Lord Millcroft by Virginia Heath and I immediately wanted to read it all over again. Clarissa and Seb light up the page with their journey to happily ever after. This book has it all, terrific characters, romance, intrigue, witty dialogue and humor.

The Mysterious Lord Millcroft is the first of a new series The King's Elite by Virginia Heath. Clarissa and Sebastian are minor character from her previous series The Wild Warriners. (You have to read that series too! It's amazing.) If you want to know how Virginia came up with using these side character she has a blog on her website titled: When a Side Character Insists on Being a Hero

Seb Leatham has moved to the top of my favorite hero list.  He is the leader of the King's Elite Invisibles and poor Seb really doesn't want to be center stage.  And Clarissa? Clarissa was the incomparable sister of Isabella from A Warriner to Tempt Her that I really couldn't imagine as a heroine. Boy did Virginia Heath prove me wrong, she is not only an amazing heroine I feel in love with her character just as much as Sebastian. 

Fans of Julia Quinn will love Virginia HeathGo buy this book, read it and remember why you fell in love with historical romance. You don't have to read The Wild Warriners first, but why wouldn't you? 

Check out Virginia Heath's Facebook page for fun updates from her sweetheart Trevor and behind the scene glimpses into her writing life. 

Review by Kixcatmom aka Gayle Cochrane

I was lucky enough to meet Virginia Heath at Historical Romance Retreats in 2017 and recently in 2018. She is amazing in person. 










Monday, November 26, 2018

Susan's Review of The Good, the Bad and the Duke-Cavensham Heiresses Book 4 by Janna MacGregor



A lady with a noble mission. A duke looking for redemption. A forbidden love that cannot be denied…

Lady Daphne Hallworth is ready to celebrate the holidays with her family. But when they accidentally leave her home alone, Daphne uses the time to work on her dream—opening a home for unwed mothers. But her quest isn’t problem-free: She’s in a battle to win the property for the home against her brother’s best friend-turned-enemy, Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart. And that’s not all: someone has stolen her personal diary, which holds secrets that could devastate her family. Daphne has always harbored private feelings for the man her family scorns…though perhaps striking a bargain with the handsome Duke will solve both their problems?

Paul, long considered good for nothing, aims to open a hospital to honor his brother and restore his reputation. So when a conflict over the land brings him straight into Daphne’s life, they make a deal: He will help her find her diary if Daphne can change her family’s opinion of him. But before he can win her family’s affection, he has to win hers first. Maybe love was the answer to their family feud all along?



I adored The Good, the Bad and the Duke! The hero is trying to atone for his past mistakes and finds an unlikely ally in his ex- best friend’s sister. Clever dialogue, intrigue, and a Christmas setting add to his superbly written, sensuous regency romance.

The prologue immediately drew me into the story. Lord Paul Barstowe helps nine- year old Lady Daphne Hallworth save a baby magpie from being the family cat’s dinner. The prologue is important because the reader gets a glimpse into Paul’s character and a hint that Daphne sees Paul as more than her brother’s best friend. Lady Daphne Hallworth is not amused. Her family accidently left her home alone in London during the Christmas holidays. Daphne is determined not to be forgotten again. Daphne visits her solicitor to inquire about a property for her charity when her reticule containing her journal is stolen. Daphne chases the thief to Reynolds Gambling Establishment where she sees Paul, now the Duke of Southart.

Paul saves Daphne from possible ruin by saying that Lady Moonbeam is his escort. Loved the reason why Paul calls Daphne Lady Moonbeam; he noticed her hair and eyes and he acknowledges that Daphne is a beautiful woman, not just his former friends little sister. Daphne explains to Paul that her reticule has been stolen. Paul agrees to return to Reynolds and look for it in the morning if Daphne will help him mend fences with her brother. The enduring connection between Paul and Daphne intrigued me because Paul was no longer on speaking terms with Daphne’s brother, Alexander, the Marquis of Pembrooke. Janna MacGregor does a fabulous job balancing Paul’s past actions with his desire to help Daphne and become a better man.

Paul’s past actions were influenced by his relationship with his father. To get his father’s attention, he acted out, gambled and caused trouble. Loved that Paul’s father continued to plague him after he died. Robbie, Paul’s brother, understood why Paul acted out and made promise to try to be a better person before he died. Paul is home alone for the holidays as his family members have died.

It was great fun to see Paul struggle with his attraction to Daphne especially when they were at the gaming hall. The chemistry between the couple sizzled off the pages. He saw Daphne as a strong woman who wanted to honor her late sister’s memory. Paul understood that working on the charity would help Daphne work through her grief because he was still grieving for his brother. Loved the couples witty banter and I adored when Paul decided to court Daphne.

The fast-paced storyline kept me reading. Loved the element of intrigue surrounding the reticule and its contents played an important role in the plot. There are several surprising plot twists and turns which surprised me. Janna MacGregor’s writing style evokes passion, emotion and understanding. Lady Margaret stole the show when she realized Paul had no friends or family. She offers him her kitten so he won’t be alone. Daphne shows strength of character when she speaks up to her brother and tell him that Paul sees her—he understands her in a way her family cannot.

The Good, the Bad, and the Duke has all the feels; the characters, their romance, the complex plot are perfectly written. And the powerful message of forgiveness is appropriate during the holiday season.

Janna MacGregor is a new- to- me author. After reading Paul and Daphne’s story, I bought her back list and read each one. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher
Following the doctor’s cheerful announcement of triplets, the first thing Janna MacGregor did was pick her darling husband off the floor. The second thing she did was make a decision about what to do with all her newfound free time. Take her word for it, mandatory bed rest can skew one’s perceptions. During her sojourn in bed, Janna remembered her attorney-husband’s sage advice that successful attorneys always have the last word in an argument. Taking these wise words to heart, she became an attorney and soon was managing partner of his law firm. She is certain he and their triplets rue the day he ever made that comment.

After living in a variety of Midwestern cities, she settled in Kansas City Missouri, the crown jewel of the Midwest and home of her favorite team, the Kansas City Royals. Through all her wanderings, she has always found time to read passionate, sweeping romances. It didn’t take long for her to decide to add Author on her resume. Practicing law by day, she writes sexy historicals set in the Regency period whenever she is not in court arguing those last words.

Join her and escape in stories about compelling and powerful heroines meeting and falling in love with their equally matched heroes. Remember—every romance should be messy, carnal and forever.

Website   Facebook ❤  Bookbub   Instagram   Twitter




Friday, November 23, 2018

Gift Giving Guide Roundup From Sourcebooks



Mistletoe in Texas


Gift this to: Anyone who loves all things Texas or rodeo, and fans of second chance romance

Suggested gift pairing: A cute Texas cookie cutter, or a bag of Texas Pecan coffee for a warm and authentic treat. (Because a horse won’t fit under the tree!)

Cowboy Christmas Jubilee


Gift this to: The friend who loves Christmas more than any other holiday, and fans of small town cowboy romance

Suggested gift pairing: Anything Christmas related – bonus points if there are cowboy boots involved.

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas

Gift this to: Anyone who has ever wanted to live on a Christmas tree farm (!) or cowboy readers who like a little suspense

Suggested gift pairing: A pine-scented candle, or a favorite piece from a local artist (in honor of our folk artist heroine)

Cowboy SEAL Christmas

Gift this to: The friend whose favorite holiday movie is How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or anyone who thinks horses and heroes are a winning combination.
Suggested gift pairing: Cute notecards, a framed photo, or an invitation to a holiday celebration because Christmas is all about connecting with the people we love!

Billionaire Wolf for Christmas

Gift this to: The friend who has a long checklist for her perfect guy (billionaire, doctor, wolf shifter) or anyone who loves a trope mashup!
Suggested gift pairing: If you can’t find a half-naked billionaire to put a bow on, then how about an adorable book themed tote to throw a copy into.

My Forever Home
Gift this to: Dog lovers!

Suggested gift pairing: A puppy! (just kidding) For the minimalist friend, give this along with making a donation to a local no-kill rescue shelter. For something that’s easier to wrap, pair this with a cozy pair of red mittens for a soft and sweet gift.







a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t forget gifts for you! At the holidays we always spend so much time thinking about others that it’s easy to leave ourselves out. Treat yourself this Christmas and enter to win all 6 holiday books! Then cozy up with a blanket, a hot cup of whatever you like, and get lost in a wonderful romance.

Click here for buy links!

Monday, November 19, 2018

Cover Reveal for Melissa Foster's Mad About The Moon



Josie Beckley refuses to believe there is a limit on happiness. A decade after she escaped her abusive parents and lost touch with her siblings, the death of her husband leaves her and her son homeless. But Josie has never been one to wallow in sadness, and when she takes a chance on reconnecting with her siblings, a sinfully handsome bright light from her past shows up and offers to help her find a way out of the darkness.

Most people wouldn’t see Jed Moon as someone to look up to. He’s been in and out of jail and has lived a less-than-stellar lifestyle. But years ago one woman saw through his crap, and he’s never forgotten her. Now she’s back in his life, and as a prospect for the Dark Knights motorcycle club, Jed promises to keep an eye on the sassy, sexy single mother who has never stopped lighting his fantasies on fire.

Jed and Josie’s combustible connection is stronger than ever. Having Josie and her son in his life brings out all of Jed’s protective instincts—and visions of a future he never imagined having. But when a shocking revelation knocks the insatiable lovers to their knees, it forces them to make choices that could change their lives forever.

Check out Melissa Foster's other Whiskey novels.
And don’t miss RIVER OF LOVE, the first story in which the Whiskeys were introduced!




Can true love strike twice in one lifetime? Find out why Josie is MAD ABOUT MOON in the next emotionally captivating, sexy Whiskeys series romance.

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines. 

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name,  Addison Cole.





Thursday, November 15, 2018

Susan's Review of Sleepover by Serena Bell


A brand-new contemporary romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Head Over Heels.

The girl next door is the one that got away. He just doesn’t know it yet. . . .

Sawyer: After my wife died, I promised myself I’d never go through the pain of losing someone again. Now I keep my flings neat, tidy, and one-time-only. Besides, my son needs me more than ever. He’s miserable in our new town, so I’m pumped when he makes friends with the kid next door—until I recognize his mom from a one-night stand. Perky and upbeat, Elle Dunning is not my type for anything other than tearing up the sheets. So why do I keep letting myself get roped into game nights and get-togethers?

Elle: It so hasn’t been my year. That’s my first thought when I see my new next-door neighbor. I never would have hooked up with Sawyer Paulson if my husband hadn’t left me for his high-school sweetheart, but because our eight-year-old boys have become best friends, I’ve got to make nice with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Silent. Yet the more time we spend together, the more Sawyer opens up. We’ve both been hurt—badly. So it’s one thing to send the kids off to sleepaway camp together. It’s quite another to promise each other a lifetime of sleepovers. . . .

Sleepover is a standalone novel with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a satisfying happily ever after.







Sleepover is the first book by Serena Bell that I have read. The use of alternate point of view narration provides insight into the main characters thoughts and feelings and sets the tone for this fast-paced, sensuous second chance story.

The weekend after her divorce was finalized, Elle Dunning went out with her girlfriends to celebrate. Elle was coming to grips with the fact that husband left her for his high school girlfriend and decided to hook up with a guy she met at the bar. Imagine her surprise when she recognizes her new neighbor, Sawyer Paulsen, as Mr. Hookup!

The sexual chemistry between Elle and Sawyer is off the charts. Both have suffered loss- Elle’s divorce and Sawyer’s wife’s death. I loved that their sons got along so well and the families shared game nights. The secondary characters of Brooks, Trevor, Hattie and Capria added a lot of humor to the story. I liked that Elle and Sawyer supported each other. Elle pitched in and helped with Jonah’s birthday party. Sawyer was interested in Elle’s writing career and encouraged her to finish her book. Loved the scene when Sawyer and Elle’s ex-husband, Trevor, meet- it was so funny to read Trevor trying to outshine Sawyer.

Serena Bell has written a wonderful second chance romance with all the feels. She does a fabulous job balancing the couple’s attraction, Elle’s writing career, Sawyer’s acceptance of his wife’s death and realization that it’s ok to move on. Sawyer’s last entry in the journal made me tear up. . he understands what love is.

Sleepover is a charming, feel good romance with characters that will tug at your heartstrings. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Publisher

Monday, November 12, 2018

Susan's Review of Our Sweet Destiny - Bradens #2 by Addison Cole





Discover the magic of the Bradens, and fall in love with Addison Cole's rich and romantic storytelling.

Our Sweet Destiny is a Sweet with Heat novel and conveys all of the passion you'd expect to find between two people in love without any graphic scenes or harsh language. If you're looking for a spicier romance, pick up the steamy edition, Destined for Love, written by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. Addison Cole is Melissa's sweet-romance pen name.


In Our Sweet Destiny... After ditching a troubled relationship—and her veterinary practice in the process—Jade Johnson returns to the safety of her small hometown and finally finds her footing. That is…until her horse is injured and the son of the man her father has been feuding with for more than forty years comes to her rescue. She’s spent forever trying to deny her attraction to headstrong, too-handsome-for-his-own-good cowboy Rex Braden. The last thing she needs is that particular man complicating her life.

Fiercely loyal Rex Braden has never put anyone or anything before his family. Despite the irate family history, sparks fly between Rex and Jade, unleashing fifteen years of stifled, forbidden love—causing the rebel in each of them to rear its powerful head.

Loyalties are tested, and relationships are strained as Rex and Jade find out if true love really can conquer all.



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.





Rancher Rex Braden has been fighting his attraction for veterinarian Jade Johnson for 15 years. The Braden and Johnson families have been feuding for years—and Rex is extremely loyal to his family. He feels strongly that he can’t act on his attraction to Jade. Now that Jade is back in town can he stay away from her?

In the first chapter of the novel, Rex helps Jade get her injured horse out of a steep ravine. I loved that Jade was sassy and spoke right up to Rex. The sexual undercurrent between the couple is sizzling hot and sets the tone for this opposites attract romance. I adored their first kiss scene—it wasn’t what I was expecting—it was so very hot until Rex remembered about family loyalty. And Jade’s reaction? If Rex wouldn’t stand up for her—she’d find someone who would! The conversations between Rex and Jade were so much fun to read and gave so much insight into the characters.

The romance that developed between gentleman Rex and sassy Jade is perfectly written. Rex and Jade decide to go to dinner –they pick a place a few towns away. I knew Rex had fallen hard for Jade during their first date when he told her he looked forward to many firsts with her. Addison Cole does a fabulous job weaving the feud between the Braden and Johnson families, the Johnson’s financial difficulties and Hal’s concern for Hope with the couple’s romance. Loved Rex and Hal’s relationship with Hope and how she brought the feud to an end. I could feel Adriana’s presence in the jewelry store and in the barn –and the words on the charm brought tears to my eyes.

The storyline in Our Sweet Destiny is complex and well -paced. Addison Cole’s characters are engaging and relatable. The banter between Rex and Jade worked for me—it was honest, emotional and loving. Loved that the entire Braden clan was featured in the story—the strong Braden family connection is the foundation in this series. The last few chapters are emotional for both families.

I have been a member of Melissa Foster’s fan club for about a year. I have heard so much about Rex and Jade— Rex has a huge following! Now I know why!!! He’s sexy, loyal and romantic—the kind of man every woman would like to share her HEA with!

If you enjoy books by Samantha Chase, Emily March or Marie Force—pick up Our Sweet Destiny!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Author


Rex watched Jade stomp away, and he let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. When she’d bent over the table to sign her name, her shorts had ridden up just enough to expose the tender skin where her thighs ended and her rear end began, and he’d just about lost it. He’d been with plenty of beautiful women, but there was something about Jade that made his heart soar. He’d first noticed it when she was a carefree teenager, vibrant and eager in everything she did, with a ready smile. Even then she had a body that wouldn’t quit, and now she was harder, louder, and her body had matured in ways that set his blood on fire. That strange combination touched him in all the right places.

Why’d she have to come back to town? He’d done so well not thinking about her when she was away at school. And now, every time he saw her, his body reacted with a visceral, carnal need. As she stomped away, he wondered why the one woman who lit his veins on fire had to be the daughter of his father’s only enemy.

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