Susan's Review of One Step Away by Cindy Kirk

Two Truths and a Lie

Cornelia “Nell” Ambrose is happy to have kissed her past goodbye. True.
She’s worked hard to forge a new, normal life for herself as an attorney in Hazel Green. True
Nell is 100% happy on her own and not at all interested in getting serious with the town’s most eligible bachelor, Leo Pomeroy. Lie.

Mayor Leo Pomeroy has devoted his life to helping the people of Hazel Green and pleasing his prominent family—a family currently caught up in a political scandal. Though innocent, it’s up to Leo to restore their good name. He’s convinced Nell is the perfect woman to help him do that. Smart, beautiful, and kind, Nell has become a pillar of the Hazel Green community. While his parents caution she isn’t cut out to be a “political wife”, Nell is the only woman Leo wants by his side.
Leo’s parents aren’t the only ones with concerns. Nell has her own reasons for resisting her feelings for Leo. No one knows about her life prior to Hazel Green, and when shadows of that life suddenly reappear everything Nell has come to love could be in jeopardy. Revealing her most closely guarded secret could bring her one step closer to freedom—or cost her the one man she can’t do without.

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Nell Ambrose and Leo Pomeroy’s relationship intrigued me in One Fine Day, the first book in the Hazel Green series. I wondered why the attorney and the town mayor were having a secret relationship and when and how it would be revealed! Cindy Kirk brings the characters of Hazel Green to life with her descriptive voice and spot on dialogue. I adored Nell’s story and read it in one sitting.

Nell Ambrose is a child welfare attorney who enjoys bringing the character of Hazel Green, the town matriarch, to life at social events. Her make-up, wig and costumes transform Nell into her other persona who lived in the early 1900’s. I noticed that Nell shifts easily from Hazel to herself and she enjoys being someone else. Nell is a private person; Leo only knows a few vague details of Nell’s life before she came to Hazel Green. In contrast, Leo’s family life is an open book; he’s the mayor of Hazel Green and his father is a senator. He is used to being in the public eye. His life is an open book—Nell’s is not.

I loved reading Nell’s story. Cindy Kirk includes hints about Nell’s childhood throughout the novel and introduces her brother into the storyline seamlessly. As she falls in love with Leo, she tells him bits and pieces about her past. Nell realizes that she is in love with Leo and wants to open up to him but, she is keeping a secret or two from him. Nell and Leo decide to make their relationship public and they begin to attended social and political events together. Nell, Leo and Leo’s parents attend a town event where a photo of the four of them is posted on social media. Nell’s past is revealed because someone from her past recognizes her in the photo. Loved how Nell’s past connected to a present day scandalous political situation for the Pomeroy family. Many of the characters in the novel were impacted when Nell’s identity was revealed.

Cindy Kirk tackles several important issues in this novel; family values, secrets and trust. The reader gets a glimpse of political life and the importance of family from Marty and Tim Pomeroy. The secondary characters in the novel played important roles in Nell and Leo’s lives; each one added depth to the storyline. I am waiting to see what happens to Lilian, Marc and Dixon. Cindy Kirk’s descriptive writing and her honest dialogue makes her characters and their situations relatable. She is able to blend romance and political issues during the story. I was invested in Nell and Leo’s romance and knew he loved her without hesitation.

The suspenseful conclusion of One Step Away took me by surprise—in a good way. Loved the political intrigue piece of the story and its connection to many of the Hazel Green characters. Am looking forward to returning to Hazel Green soon!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book Purchased through Amazon

Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak - Audible Edition

Her Darkest Nightmare

by Brenda Novak

Audible Edition

★★★★★

Evelyn Talbot is the definition of survivor.

Now, she has devoted her life to gathering information.

She wants to find out what makes a psychopathic killer

think the way they do. Why? Is it in the brain? In the

blood? What makes only some people think the way

they do. And not others? What makes them different?

 

Because of Evelyns life experiences, she has only allowed

herself to focus. Only on her goal. Information. To stay

away from her darkest nightmare. 

 

 

But what happens when you are on the way to your

goal and you find yourself sidetracked by a man?

A man you feel drawn to. Can you fall in love?

Evelyn is determined not to allow her guard down. 

 

Amorak is the local law. The only local law. So Evelyn

needs him. Even though he is flirting with her. She is

determined to keep it all professional.

So she can focus on her work.

And she fears that anyone close to her is in danger.

She has to protect others. To keep them at

arms length. But is that enough to protect them?

Who will protect her?

 

Brenda Novak has written a great running story.

With some wonderful narration. Therese Plummer is

a diverse narrator. She puts her best into this series.

 

I bought my copy from Audible.com

Review by Lisa Hutson

 



Susan's Review of A Love Like Ours by Melissa Foster

A Romance with All the Right Moves!

LOVE LIKE OURS

Sugar Lake #3

Melissa Foster

Releasing Sept 11, 2018

Montlake

One wrong move, and she meets a guy with all the right ones…

Talia Dalton lives her life on cruise control. Despite her successful career as a professor, she prefers protecting her broken heart to taking chances. She’s calm, cool, collected, and steady. Until the morning she takes her eyes off that familiar road and almost runs over the sexiest man she’s ever seen. It may not be the best way to start the day, but it might be the type of shake-up she needs.

Male dancer Derek Grant has goals, and nothing is going to get in the way of achieving them. As a graduate student and the sole caretaker of his ailing father, he hasn’t much time for relationships. Then Talia crashes into his life. Sweet, pretty—and so buttoned-up that he can’t wait to help her cut loose.

For Derek, falling in love was a beautiful accident waiting to happen. And it might be exactly what Talia needs—if she’s willing to let go of the past and embrace every surprise Derek has to offer.

LOVE LIKE OURS is being published by Montlake (an Amazon imprint) and won’t be available on other ebook retailers, but you can download a FREE Kindle ereader app to read it here, or order the paperback.

FALL IN LOVE AT SUGAR LAKE

ONLY FOR YOU (Book 2)

Only $0.99

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Love Like Ours by Melissa Foster took me by surprise! I read this sensitive, emotional romance featuring college professor Talia Dalton and graduate student Derek Grant, in one afternoon. I adored Talia and Derek’s seemingly opposites attract romance, the importance of family and Mrs. Dalton’s magic love potion.

Professor Talia Dalton took one look at Derek Grant’s long hair, two- day stubble, bracelets and rings and assumes he’s not her type. She’s intrigued and turned on when she watches him dance but, runs out of the bar before his performance ends.

Their next conversation sets the tone for the novel:
“That’s what I do, not who I am.” He took a step back and said, “I misjudged you. I thought you saw beyond societal expectations and generalizations. I guess I was wrong.”

I loved that Derek wasn’t what Talia assumed; Talia was challenged to see Derek through her eyes and her experiences with him. Through conversations with Derek, she learns he is finishing up his Master’s degree in health administration; his father has early onset Alzheimer’s and he left a lucrative accounting career to care for his dad. Derek has a part time job bartending and dancing at a local bar. Dancing—yes dancing. His dancing is both a source of income for him and a source of discomfort for Talia.

Talia’s friendship and ensuing romance with Derek unfolds perfectly. Derek encourages Talia to step outside her comfort zone-they enjoying walking in the park, meeting his friends for dinner and a ski weekend. Talia understands that Derek has given up his dreams to care for his father and that being a caregiver is a 24/7 job. She encourages Derek to take time for himself- to give himself a well-deserved break.

The caregiving piece of this story and how it affects a person and their family resonated with me. One of the most touching scenes in the novel occurs when Derek and Talia visit an assisted living center. Derek’s struggle with caring for his father and trying to have a normal, healthy relationship with Talia is genuine and relatable. I could hear the struggle and frustration in his words as he tried to explain his feelings about his father to Talia. Talia asks him a very important question which told me that she loved Derek with all of her heart.

Acceptance, assumption and secret keeping are three powerful themes that Melissa Foster includes in Love Like Ours. The strength of Talia and Derek’s relationship is tested throughout the novel. I loved reading how the couple learned to communicate honestly and face their issues together. The couple’s struggles with work family and their relationship are real. The conclusion to the novel was perfect and I can’t wait to catch up with them in the next Sugar lake book!

The characters and the themes from Love Like Ours made a huge impression on me. Caretakers are truly unselfish people—they put their loved one first each and every time. Kudos for Melissa Foster for bringing the role of a caretaker to light in a sensitive, honest manner. Love Like Ours wasn’t what I expected—it was SO MUCH BETTER!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

Susan's Review of One More Moment by Samantha Chase

Julian Grayson is taking a break
...from his cheating fiancée
...from his band
...from his life in the spotlight

Charlotte Clark is devoted to her work
...to save the world
...to help the homeless
...to get a broken man back on his feet

When Charlotte Clark offers to pay for Julian Grayson's coffee, the world-famous drummer assumes she wants something from him. But Charlotte has no idea who he is, and Julian can't resist keeping up the charade—being incognito is a novelty and a relief. He'll have to tell her...eventually. But as Charlotte cheerfully undertakes to transform his life, Julian realizes there's something about her that gives him what he hasn't felt in years: hope.

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Do you believe that a random act of kindness can change your life?

Social worker Charlotte Clark pays it forward and buys coffee and muffins for the unkempt, cranky guy ahead of her in line at her local coffee shop. The man starts to argue with her and she smiles and responds ‘pay it forward.’ Charlotte has no clue that she’s bought Shaughnessy drummer Julian Grayson breakfast while Julian has no idea what ‘pay it forward means.’ Charlotte’s charity drew me into the story. She is genuine, compassionate person who loves the beach, her job and her community. I adored Charlotte and her desire to help people.

After leaving his cheating ex-fiancé at the altar, Julian is back in California after a three -month cross country trip. He’s angry, emotionally burned out and he’s avoiding his Shaughnessy band members; Riley, Matt and Dylan. He is so surprised that Charlotte doesn’t want something from him- an autograph, picture or a hookup. He is so jaded that he can’t accept a cup of coffee from someone without immediately thinking the worst.

People ask me why I read Samantha Chase’s novels. I ADORE her characters. I can connect with Ms. Chase’s honest, flawed characters. You might see a glimpse of your brother, sister, husband or best friend in her stories. Each character is unique and grows within the story. I connected with Charlotte and Julian’s story immediately. I loved watching this couple who seemed so very different fall in love. Loving Charlotte brought out the best in Julian. I loved the scene when he asked Charlotte what she would do if she had an entire day off. He made her dreams of reading at the beach come true; a simple but heartfelt gesture. The couple has obstacles to overcome. Julian needs to acknowledge his feelings towards his ex-fiancé and move forward. Most importantly, Julian needs to accept that Charlotte loves him; not what his money can buy her.

One More Moment is so much more than a rock band book. This novel tackles several social issues. Homelessness, unemployment, trust, communication and commitment are integral pieces of the storyline. Samantha Chase’s strong narrative voice shines in this story as Julian struggles with anger, loss and self-doubt. Even though the chemistry between the couple is off the charts, falling in love doesn’t come easy for Charlotte and Julian. Their struggles are real and their journey had several unexpected twists and turns.

If you are looking for a book with all the feels… one click ONE MORE MOMENT! I am sure you will adore this compassionate character driven story!

I enjoyed each of the Band OnThe Run novels. Each book tackled a tough subject – ill-advised career decisions, drunk driving, anger and avoidance—and wove in humor, compassion and love. I connected with each character and became immersed in their journeys. I recommend each one of the books within the series

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased on Amazon

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Shaughnessy Brothers: Band on the Run Series:
One More Kiss (Book 1)
One More Promise (Book 2)
One More Moment (Book 3)

Hanover House by Brenda Novak - Audible edition

Hanover House

by Brenda Novak

Audible edition

☆☆☆☆☆

 

This one is outside my normal reading box. I rarely go

outside my typical romance.

Hanover House does have romance. But it is in the

background. The main story is a thrilling mystery.

So many twists and turns.

Brenda Novak has written this one to immerse the

reader into Evelyn Talbot. Her life. Her world.

And Hilltop, Alaska.

 

Hanover House is only about 4 1/2 hours. Which is

pretty short for audible listening. But it is really well

done and a fantastic listen!

Hanover House has its own story. Just enough to

make you run, not walk, to get the next part.

 

 

I bought my copy from Audible.com

Review by Lisa Hutson

An Affair with a Spare by Shana Galen

An Affair with a Spare

by Shana Galen

☆☆☆☆☆

The third book in the Survivor series.

The story of Rafe and Collette is different from the rest
in the series. Actually, different from any other books. At least,
any others I have read.
Rafe is loyal to his group and country. Without limit.
Collette is the daughter of a vicious murderer.
Or at least that is what everyone believes.

Shana Galen has written a story of learning to trust. And to
never ever give up. So can they figure a way to be together??
It seems so impossible.
And then, what do you know about groundhogs??

The survivors in this series are such interesting characters.
And every story we learn more and more about them.
Though each story is a stand alone.

 

Review by Lisa Hutson




 

 

 

 



Susan's Review of An Earl like You by Caroline Linden-- Wagers of Sin Book 2

When you gamble at love...

When Hugh Deveraux discovers his newly inherited earldom is bankrupt, he sets about rebuilding the family fortune—in the gaming hells of London. But the most daring wager he takes isn't at cards. A wealthy tradesman makes a tantalizing offer: marry the man's spinster daughter, and Hugh's debts will be paid and his fortune made. The only catch is that she must never know about their agreement.

You risk losing your heart...

Heiress Eliza Cross has given up hope of marriage until she meets the impossibly handsome Earl of Hastings, her father's new business partner. The earl is everything a gentleman should be, and is boldly attentive to her. It doesn't take long for Eliza to lose her heart and marry him.

But when Eliza discovers that there is more to the man she loves—and to her marriage—her trust is shattered. And it will take all of Hugh's power to prove that now his words of love are real.

An Earl Like You is a captivating marriage of convenience romance with a twist or two! The novel is well paced and the dialogue is superbly written. The enchanting love story which developed between Hugh Deveraux and Eliza Cross kept me turning the pages.

Hugh Deveraux, the Earl of Hastings, did not inherited a grand estate when his father passed. All of his family homes are mortgaged, his sister’s dowries are non-existent and he’s barely one step ahead of his creditors. Hugh leases out his family’s country estate and moves his mother and sisters to London. Society believes Hugh has come to town in search of a wife but, he travelled to London for a different reason. The Vega House, an upscale gambling salon, is located in London. Hugh is an astute card player and his plan is to win enough money to restore the family fortune.

Eliza Cross is the only child of Edward Cross, a wealthy business man. His fortune was made speculating on items during the British war. Cross is devoted to his daughter and sent her to Miss Upton’s Academy where she met her best friends Sophie and Georgiana. Eliza was aware that she was an heiress, not a lady, and preferred a quiet life in the country tending to her gardens and playing with her mischievous dog. I adored Eliza; she’s warm, friendly and caring—not the usual historical heroine.

Edward and Hugh cross paths at the Vega Club. Hugh makes a strategic error by staying in a card game. He should have taken his winnings and left the table. Instead, he has lost a huge amount of money. Cross passes along some information regarding Alderson, the man who won the card game to Hugh.

Was this meeting at the Vega Club a coincidence? Hugh accepts a dinner invitation from Edward Cross. He enjoys talking with Edward Cross’s shy daughter, Eliza. Cross has bought up Hugh’s debts and makes him an offer he can’t refuse. He will forgive Hugh’s debts and mortgage’s and provide a huge dowry if Hugh courts and marries Eliza.

I love Caroline Linden’s descriptive writing style and her dialogue—and both shine in this novel. I loved that while Hugh viewed his courtship as a job; he could not deny his sexual attraction to Eliza. Eliza’s sweet nature and innocence are tested several times during the novel. Eliza handles conflict with Hugh’s sisters and shows kindness to them. My favorite scene in the novel is when Hugh surprises Eliza with a picnic at Primrose Hill. He confesses that he wants Eliza for himself and the couple’s sensual walk in the woods is one of Ms. Linden’s best written passages.

An underlying subterfuge throughout An Earl Like You keeps the plot moving. Ms Linden’s tightly woven plot combined with Hugh and Eliza’s romance held my interest throughout the novel. Edward Cross could have been the villain in the novel. Loved how the author redeemed the self-motivated, shrewd business man who viewed the world as a calculated business decision. He loved Eliza with all his heart—he just went about securing her future in the wrong way. Loved that the friendship between Eliza, Sophie and Georgianna continued in this story. The conclusion to the novel had some surprising plot twists and reveals.

And the epilogue? It was perfect for the couple. Everything I wanted for them and more!

An Earl Like You has all the feels—it’s an emotional, deeply romantic novel with well-crafted characters and a fabulous storyline! I adored Eliza and loved it Hugh recognized that his wife was a true beauty. A love match that I highly recommend!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the Publisher

Click here to read the first chapter of An Earl Like You!
Click here to read my review of My Once and Future Duke!

Susan's Review of Going Down Easy by Erin Nicholas -Boys of the Big Easy Book #1

Let the good times roll. Tourists flock to New Orleans for jazz, culture, bourbon, and food. In the French Quarter, you’ll also find the sexiest and most deliciously hot guys in the city. They charm with easy grins, and their slow, deep kisses turn into nights that are hotter than a crawfish boil. But these guys would rather steal a heart than break it. Set against the colorful patois culture of N’Awlins, Erin Nicholas’s sizzling series shows just how the Big Easy turns up the heat, creating an irresistible jambalaya of spicy-hot nights, mischief, and even love.

As far as flings go, single dad Gabe Trahan is pretty sure that Addison Sloan is his best bet. Once a month, Addison comes to New Orleans and then . . . It. Is. On. Until Addison returns to New York, it’s just hot, happily-no-strings-attached sex. And beignets. And jazz. But lately for Gabe, it isn’t nearly enough. Sure, maybe Addison’s gotten a bit hooked on Gabe. After all, who can resist a guy who’s so sexy, so charming, and so . . . available? But maybe he’s too available for her right now. Addison’s just moved to New Orleans, and relationships are definitely off the table. Besides, guys always bail when they learn her secret: she’s a single mom.

Only Gabe’s not running. Worse, he’s thrilled. But Addison never signed up for ever-after romance, and Gabe won’t settle for anything less. Now it’s a battle of wills—and when it comes to the woman he’s falling for, Gabe isn’t above playing a little dirty.


About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters. Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

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Going Down Easy captivated me from the first page! I ADORED Gabe Trahan the romantic, smooth talking, charming hero. Addison Sloan and Gabe spend one weekend a month together in Gabe’s home town of New Orleans. Their chemistry sizzles from day one. They have sex, eat beignets and listen to jazz and have more sex. They don’t talk to each other between visits and really don’t know that much about each other. Gabe realizes that saying goodbye to Addison is getting harder – and that maybe, just maybe, he is falling for her.

Gabe and his brother Logan have hired Monroe & LeBlanc, an architectural firm to restore Trahan’s, their family tavern. They arrive at the firm for a meeting and Gabe sees Addison in the hallway. Gabe is surprised to learn that Addison has been hired by the firm. And even more surprised to learn that she wants to end their relationship. Addison believes she has the perfect way to send Gabe running—she has a 5 year old daughter. Gabe is thrilled because he has a 5 year old son! I laughed so hard because I could hear the happiness in Gabe’s voice and see the frightened, stunned look on Addison’s face!

I loved Gabe’s determination to win Addison. He wants a happily ever after with Addison. He sends her a basket of pralines and includes an invitation to a single parent support group meeting. Addison is surprised when Gabe enters the room. I loved Gabe’s heartfelt confession to the group and how Addison took it in. Everyone in the room knew Gabe was seeing someone and offered him advice on how to get her back. This scene was well written and I knew, despite what she verbalized, Addison had strong feelings for Gabe.

Erin Nicholas balances Addison and Gabe’s sexy times with the demands and pressures of being a single parent. Addison is raising Stella on her own. She has more of a hands off approach and encourages Stella to try new things. Gabe has entire support system help him raise his son Cooper. He lives with his mom and brother and everyone pitches in for Cooper. Through the parent support group the theme of what makes a good parent is explored. I loved the scene when Cooper snuggled up to Addison at the support group family night and when Stella explained to Addison why she wants to buy Cooper a flashlight. Both scenes were perfectly written and important to the storyline on multiple levels. In my opinion, this storyline choice moves the novel from a good to an excellent read.

Going Down Easy is a sensuous, emotional story infused with love and family. Erin Nicholas successfully blends challenging social concerns with a romantic love story. The fun, fresh honest dialogue and the supporting characters are relatable and add depth to this opposites attract romance. I liked that there were several unexpected plot twists that challenged Gabe and Addison. The conclusion was perfect full of love and surprises!

If you enjoy authors Laura Trentham Debbie Mason and Samantha Chase—you will adore this book! Gabe is my kind of hero—a bigger than life, charming man with blue eyes who does the laundry!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Publisher

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Praise for Going Down Easy “This series debut from Nicholas provides equal parts sex and sweetness as Gabe and Addison succumb to their incredible chemistry while attempting to fit the puzzle pieces of their lives together.” —Library Journal “Nicholas pairs New Orleans native Gabe Trahan with New York restoration architect Addison Sloan in this clever, scorching contemporary…This mature, richly characterized story balances intense erotic desire with emotional growth and mutual support.” —Publishers Weekly

GOING DOWN EASY by Erin Nicholas
Montlake Romance | On sale August 28, 2018
Paperback ISBN: 978-1503900660 | $9.99 US | 240 pages | Ebook ASIN: B075QFTR18 | $3.99 US

Susan's review of Born to be Wilde by Eloisa James

The richest bachelor in England plays matchmaker…for an heiress he wants for himself!

For beautiful, witty Lavinia Gray, there's only one thing worse than having to ask the appalling Parth Sterling to marry her: being turned down by him.

Now the richest bachelor in England, Parth is not about to marry a woman as reckless and fashion-obsessed as Lavinia; he's chosen a far more suitable bride.

But when he learns of Lavinia's desperate circumstances, he offers to find her a husband. Even better, he'll find her a prince.

As usual, there's no problem Parth can't fix. But the more time he spends with the beguiling Lavinia, the more he finds himself wondering…

Why does the woman who's completely wrong feel so right in his arms?

The attraction between socialite Lavinia Gray and business man Parth Sterling has been sizzling since the first book in the Wilde series. The couple bickers constantly. Parth believes that Lavinia is a vapid socialite who collects bonnets; while she tells Parth he is rude and calls him “appalling Parth”. Even though Parth and Lavinia claim they don’t like each other-they can’t stay away from each other.

Lavinia has discovered that her mother has stolen her inheritance. Lady Gray spent the dowry and took Lavinia’s jewelry and her niece Diana’s emeralds sold them and replaced them with copies. Lavinia decides to marry a wealthy man and proposes to Parth who turns her down flat. However, he does offer to find her a husband! This well- written scene had me laughing out loud and drew me into the novel.

Lavinia eye for color, fabric and fashion earns her a paying job at Felton’s fabric shop. Lavinia has been tasked with designing the future Duchess of Lindow’s wedding gown and trousseau and the gowns for the entire Wilde family. Lavinia becomes immersed in her job designing and sewing the gowns needed for North and Diana’s wedding. She is able to repay some of her mother’s debts. Parth‘s feelings toward Lavinia change when he acknowledges Lavinia’s talent as a designer and his desire for her. I adored the scene when Parth brings Lavinia to the castle’s solar. This scene is touching, emotional and perfectly written.

Eloisa James weaves several important themes in Borne to be Wilde. She carefully balances Lavinia’s desire to earn her own dowry and payback her mother’s creditors with Parth’s overwhelming desire to solve her financial issues. Ms. James also weaves in Lady Gray’s addiction to laudanum, Lord Jeremy’s PSTD and North and Diana’s wedding into the plot. I adored all of the characters in the novel; especially the pragmatic Lady Knowe.

Eloisa James has written a fabulous romance; it’s emotional, poignant and the dialogue is fabulous. This romance captivated me because it was so much fun to see this couple fall in deeply in love! I adore Ms. James’ epilogues and this one was perfect especially the last sentence!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased from Amazon

Susan's Review of Bayside Heat by Melissa Foster

Bayside is bring the HEAT in this sexy, fun and
oh-so romantic friends-to-lovers romance!

BAYSIDE HEAT

Bayside Summers #3

Melissa Foster

Releasing Aug 8, 2018

World Literary Press

Drake Savage has always done the right thing, especially where beautiful and fiercely determined Serena Mallery is concerned—even when it means keeping his feelings for her to himself. Serena has always wanted more than what their small town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts has to offer, and Drake’s roots are so deeply entrenched in the Cape, it’s all he can do to watch her pack up her life and move away.

Serena has always had big dreams. As a teenager she dreamed of becoming an interior designer and marrying smart, musically inclined, sexy-as-sin Drake Savage. Now she’s finally landed a killer job with a top interior design firm, but though she has spent the last four years working side by side with Drake, he’s never made a move. Four years is long enough for her to accept reality, and her new job in Boston is the perfect way to move on.

A weak moment leads to sizzling, sensual kisses, opening a door through which they’ve both been aching to walk. But Serena’s determined not to give up her shot at the career she’s always dreamed of, and Drake has loved her for too many years to stand in her way. With true love at their fingertips and a world of unstoppable passion igniting between them, can the two star-crossed lovers find their way to their happily ever after?

Don't miss the other Bayside Summers titles

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thirty-one year old Serena Mallery has watched her friends find successful, fulfilling careers and fall in love in the past few years. Serena has been attracted to Drake Savage since she was a teenager. Drake has decided that he and Serena are friends-no more, no less. Serena realizes that she needs to move off Cape to find romantic and professional happiness and accepts a position with an interior design firm in Boston.

Serena’s decision to move to Boston is the catalyst in this passionate friends to lover’s romance. Drake is blindsided by Serena’s news. He thought she would continue to work at the resort, help him with his music stores and take interior design jobs from time to time. Serena’s moving to Boston has rocked Drake’s comfortable world. At first, I thought that Drake was a broody, self- centered guy. The honest, thoughtful back and forth banter between Drake, Rick and Dean changed my mind. I realized that Drake was a complex, caring man. Drake had to acknowledge the depth of his feelings for Serena. I never doubted that Drake loved Serena with all of his heart as he did not want Serena to choose between him and her dreams.

In Bayside Heat, Melissa Foster tackles several important relationship issues—honestly, trust and believing in yourself. Serena and Drake have a great working relationship; they understand each other, Drake relies on Serena’s organizational skills and trusts her trusts her design sense. The couple faces a few challenges when their long distance relationship heats up. Commuting, work obligations and personal promises test the couple.

I loved reconnecting with the Bayside couples and Violet. Violet’s unfiltered remarks are hysterical and spot on. Her character adds a lot of humor and honesty to the storyline. The friendships between Drake and Serena and their friends is so important in this series. The Bayside characters support, laugh and listen to each other. I adored the scene when Drake cruised to Boston with Matt, Mira, Hagen, Dean Emery, Rick and Desiree and picked Serena up at the Seaport dock.

Bayside Heat is a heartfelt, sensuous, romantic novel. Melissa Foster creates a friends to lover’s story with a twist. Both characters grow during the story. Drake acknowledges his feelings for Serena and trusts Serena with his heart. Serena learns to stand up for herself professionally and figures out her path to balance her professional and romantic desires.

Bayside Heat is one of my favorite novels of 2018. And the epilogue? Perfect – it’s full of love, happiness and romance!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author