Susan's Review of Sandcastle Beach by Jenny Holiday

From the USA Today bestselling "master of witty banter" (Entertainment Weekly) comes a hilarious and heartwarming romance about two enemies whose feud turns red-hot.
Maya Mehta will do anything to save her tiny, beloved community theater. Put on musicals she hates? Check. Hire an arrogant former-pop-star-turned-actor? Done. But what Maya really needs to save her theater is Matchmaker Bay's new business grant. She's got some serious competition, though: Benjamin "Law" Lawson, local bar owner, Jerk Extraordinaire, and Maya's annoyingly hot arch nemesis. Let the games begin.
Law loves nothing more than getting under Maya's skin, and making those gorgeous eyes dance with irritation. But when he discovers the ex-pop star has a thing for Maya, too, Law decides he's done waiting in the wings-starting with a scorching-hot kiss. Turns out there's a thin line between hate and irresistible desire, and Maya and Law are really good at crossing it. But when things heat up, will they allow their long-standing feud to get in the way of their growing feelings?

I really enjoyed Jenny Holiday’s Sandcastle Beach! It’s a charming, small town romance filled with unforgettable characters.

Jenny Holiday’s characters drew me into the story. Ben “Law” Lawson is the perfect swoony hero. I loved the witty banter between Law and theater owner Maya Mehta. He looks forward to seeing her every night at his bar, Lawson’s Lager, where he greets her with a glass of Riesling. Although Maya may appear to be indifferent towards Law—she genuinely enjoys his company and friendship….although she’d never admit it.

The slow burn romance between Maya and Law is perfectly written. Loved the laugh out loud scenes when Moonflower Bay’s matchmakers Pearl, Eiko, Art and Karl tried to bring the couple together. The attraction between the couple was apparent to everyone—the couples friends, family members and the patrons of Law’s bar. Loved how the town wide competition heated up the romance between Law and Maya.

The storyline is engaging, romantic and relatable. Loved how the author blended these elements into the grant competition as it kicked the storyline up a notch. Jenny Holiday is a “new-to-me” author and I look forward to her next book!

If you are looking for a small town romance filled with fabulous characters—pick up a copy of Sandcastle Beach!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Publisher

Jenny Holiday photo credit Kate Stasyna

Jenny Holiday is a USA Today-bestselling and RITA®-nominated author whose books have been featured in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, and National Public Radio. She grew up in Minnesota and started writing at age nine when her fourth-grade teacher gave her a notebook to fill with stories. When she’s not working on her next book, she likes to hang out with her family, watch other people sing karaoke, and throw theme parties. A member of the House of Slytherin, Jenny lives in London, Ontario, Canada

Susan's Review of She Loves Me by Melissa Foster -Harmony Point series.

Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves. But while her sisters were dreaming of white weddings, Piper was left heartbroken and commitment phobic by her first love, her best friend’s younger brother.

Bar owner Harley Dutch has a bum ankle and two preteen nieces to take care of, and having his best friend, Piper Dalton, come to his rescue is just the remedy he needs. Piper has owned his heart for years, she’s got a way with the girls, and Harley would sure like to have his way with her.

As things heat up between Piper and Harley, she warns him not to fall in love with her because she’ll only break his heart. Harley is the right man for that challenge—until he makes the biggest mistake of his life, and they begin to wonder if true love really can conquer all.

Are you looking for an amazing story to read this week during #StayatHome?
Read my review of She Loves Me.....#FeelGoodRead

She Loves Me is an enjoyable friends to lovers story which features two unique characters. At first, Piper and Harley may seem like an unlikely couple—she’s a tough cookie with a NO commitment rule while Harley is a strong, determined man who loves his family. The couple’s off the charts chemistry and hilarious back and forth banter are spot on and make for a fun read!

Harley is taking care of his two nieces when he trips and severely injures his ankle. Piper rushes to the hospital to bring an injured Harley home and within minutes finds herself taking care of Harley, his two nieces and Jiggs, the family dog. …and maybe just maybe falling for Harley!

Although, She Loves Me is a sensuous contemporary, I feel that describing it that way doesn’t do it justice. Melissa Foster is known for writing smart, sexy protagonists. The multi-faceted Harley demonstrates the author’s ability to create characters who capture your heart from the first page of the book. Harley Dutch is an intelligent, confident, patient man who puts his family first. He’s been in love with Piper for ages. She sees him as a friend. I loved it that Harley used his ankle injury to win Piper’s over. He’s has been given an opportunity to win her heart and he uses it to his advantage!

Loved that Harley addressed Piper’s relationship issues—Piper’s confession resonated with me and gave so much insight into this complex heroine. Piper realizes that she sees Harley differently; she cares about him. Piper isn’t the tough characters that she appears to be—she’s got a soft spot in her heart for her sisters, her brother and their children. My favorite Piper scene? Piper and Jiggs (the dog) crashing into a sweet filled bakery…it was fabulous!

The conclusion to this novel is fast paced and well written. Harley has a compassionate heart to heart with a family member who reminds him to put himself first and not to waste a minute with Piper. Melissa Foster has a talent for writing the perfect HEA for her couples but, Piper believes in love, not marriage. Will that be enough for Harley? The books loveable characters and friends to lovers romance blend perfectly together in this feel good read.

If you are looking for a romance with a swoony hero and a sassy heroine-then She Loves Me is perfect for you!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author.

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.

This book is 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.

Click HERE to read the first chapter of She Loves Me!

Click HERE for the Goodreads Harmony Pointe series List.

Susan''s Review of Call Her Mine by Melissa Foster

If a woman can’t find love in the quaint town of Harmony Pointe, it’s sure to find them—whether they’re looking for it or not. Here, the remaining single Dalton siblings are about to discover that they’re next in line to get swept away by love. A sweet and sexy spin-off of Melissa’s beloved Sugar Lake series.
Ben Dalton has always been honest, except where his heart is concerned. He’s been in love with his best friend—saucy, smart-mouthed Aurelia Stark—forever. But Ben’s a planner, and timing has never been on his side. When he finally decides to make his move, Aurelia beats him to the punch with a move of her own—to a different town.
Aurelia loves her new life in the charming town of Harmony Pointe. She has a great apartment and her very own bookstore, and best of all, the sinfully hot, commitment-phobic friend she’s crushed on for years is no longer just around the corner. Maybe she’ll finally be able to leave her unrequited love behind and move on.
But when a baby is left on Ben’s front porch—a baby that is presumably his—Aurelia is there for him. Neither one knows the first thing about babies, but how hard can it be? Ben and Aurelia are catapulted into a world of love, laughter, and tracking down the baby mama, and it might even add up to a very happily ever after . . . just not one either of them expects.

Aurelia Stark has decided to make a few BIG changes in her life. She sells her family’s bookstore in Sweetwater, leaves her friends and her crush Ben Dalton behind as she starts over again in Harmony Pointe. Aurelia knows that she and Ben are just friends-too many missed opportunities and bad timing. She’s happy in her cute apartment and working on renovating Chapter One, her bookstore. So, why does she wake up with Ben snuggled against her in the first chapter?

Call Her Mine is a smart twist on the friends to lovers romance. When Aurelia finds a baby in a basket on Ben’s front porch the dynamic between the two characters changes. Melissa Foster does a great job balancing the learning curve of caring for an infant, concerns about the baby’s health and immunizations with romance and lots of humor from Ben’s family.

Loved this conversation between Ben and his father Dan Dalton:

”Son, life is full of surprises. This one is unexpected, unsettling for you and Aurelia, I’m sure, but it sounds like you’ve already realized the beauty of the situation. And thank God Aurelia was there to help. She’s a good friend Ben, and I know you appreciate her. Life throws a lot of crap at us, and I hope you take a moment to soak in the goodness of this little miracle.”

I enjoyed reading how caring for a newborn changed Ben and Aurelia’s relationship. Aurelia didn’t end her friendship with Ben because he had a child—she stayed and helped him care for Baby Bea. Both characters changed during the story; high powered businessman Ben learned to delegate at work and recognized his true feelings towards Aurelia while Aurelia learned to multi task at work and express her feelings to Ben. There are a few surprises in the storyline and the couple’s dancing scene was perfectly written—there was no doubt that Ben was head over heels in love with Aurelia.

Call Her Mine tackles several serious issues – but more importantly shows the values of friendship and family. The friends to lovers romance has honest conversations, great secondary characters who add humor to the story. Ben and Aurelia shine in this story as they learn to trust each other as they navigate their new relationship and care for Bea.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC from the publisher

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.

Click HERE to Read Chapter One!

Summer In Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Cindy Kirk’s Summer in Good Hope is an engaging friends- to- lovers story set in Door County, Wisconsin. Prim Delaney has returned to her hometown of Good Hope to attend her sister Ami’s wedding where she becomes reacquainted with her former flame, Max Brody.

‘Champagne?”
Prim reared back, feeling like a kid caught dipping into a cookie jar.
The college- age server wore tailored black pants, a crisp white shirt, a polite expression. He held out a silver tray filled with a dozen crystal flutes.
‘I’d love some.”
Before she could reach for a glass, Max confiscated two from the tray and handed one to her. As his knuckles brushed her fingers, she felt a jolt.
Static electricity, Prim told herself.
Still, as he watched her watching him, she felt oddly out of breath."

The instant attraction between Prim and Max immediately drew me into the story! Prim makes it clear to Max that she is not going to date until her six- year old twins are out of high school! Because Prim’s job as an actuary has been eliminated, she has moved from Milwaukee to Good Hope with  her boys to be close to her family and to make a fresh start. Ami overheard Prim telling Max about her dating policy and decides to play matchmaker. She nominates Prim to become a member of the Cherries, the town’s civic group. Prim finds herself working very closely with Max on the town’s annual Fourth of July Parade.

Deb Delaney is a fabulous secondary character. The conflict between Deb and Prim is apparent from the beginning of the novel. Deb was devoted to her son Rory, who had CF. She was very disappointed when Rory married Prim, his high school sweetheart. Deb implies that Prim is responsible for her son’s death because she didn’t hold Rory’s interest. Cindy Kirk presents the conflict between these characters in an honest way. The reader may not appreciate Deb’s behavior towards Prim but, the reader recognizes that Deb’s emotional state stems from her love for her son.

The romance between Max and Prim deepens as the annual Fourth of July parade approaches. Max and Prim have reservations about their feelings for each other. Max doesn't want to get hurt and Prim needs to let go of her husband's memory. Summer in Good Hope has a bit of suspense as well—there’s someone breaking into the neighborhood homes at night .The author does a fabulous job mixing the pace of the romance, the tension of the recent house break-ins, the Fourth of July festivities, and Deb’s interference. The conclusion to the book was beautifully written and perfect for this couple!

I loved the characters in this novel so much that I purchased Christmas in Good Hope, the first book in the series and read it in one sitting. Looking forward to the next Bloom sister‘s romance set in this wonderful small town!

 Reviewed By: Susan Gorman 

 ARC: Publisher

The Seduction of Lord Stone--The Dashing Widows Book One -- by AnnaCampbell.

Anna Campbell introduces the Dashing Widows; Lady Caroline Beaumont, Lady Fenella Deerham and Helena, Countess of Crewe in her new novella The Seduction of Lord Stone. The friends make plans to have fun, drink champagne and flirt with handsome men when their mourning period ends. They want to be dashing widows, not secluded woman. Caroline is  looking forward to her new life.  She has no plans to remarry, in fact she is planning on having an affair.

"Silas, I've been thinking about our conversation last night."

So, devil take her, had he."You've reconsidered taking a lover?"

A faint frown appeared between her brows. "No, of course not."

"Oh," he said glumly.

"This isn't a whim. I've thought long and hard about my plans." It was her turn to sound glum."The world leaves widows a lot of time to think. I've had more than a year to mull over my intentions."

He'd spent a year mulling his intentions, too. He'd been planning a journey down the aisle. She'd been planning a progress from one lucky sod's bed to the next. The most galling element was that she seemed ready to consider any fool in London as a potential lover. Except for one Silas Nash.

It was enough to drive a fellow stark, staring mad.

The Seduction of Lord Stone is a fabulous friends to lovers story. Loved Caroline and her hero Lord Stone, Silas Nash. Silas is Helena's brother and he has been waiting for Caroline to finish mourning her husband. He is in love with her. There is one slight problem, Silas is Caroline's trusted friend. She doesn't  see him as a lover.

Anna Campbell is known for her well crafted characters and intricately woven story lines. I loved that Caroline asks Silas for advice in choosing her lover.  The banter between Caroline and Silas is fabulous and laugh out loud funny especially when she asks Silas detailed questions about each one of his friends. I felt so bad for Silas!  His replies to Caroline's questions were hilarious!!  Silas wasn't going to let Caroline become involved with any of his friends!! Caroline considered all of Silas' friends as potential lovers and never thought of him! I enjoyed that the author chose to have Silas go to great lengths to convince Caroline that he loved her as it made the reader root for their romance to happen! 

Anna Campbell is one of my favorite authors because her stories are filled with lots of humor and romance. I read this novella in one day. I was invested in the couple's story, loved their back and forth banter and enjoyed how their romance evolved. It's a perfect read for a cozy fall evening. I am looking forward to the next novel in the series.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book provided by Anna Campbell 
Quote Card provided by Possum Wranglers Anonymous