Susan's Review of Cindy Kirk's All The Right Reasons-- Jackson Hole Series --#7

When a good girl ignores the rules, crazy things can happen…

Social worker Poppy Westover had once been an incurable romantic. Cheated on by her ex and now, divorced at thirty-four, she’s determined to live her life by the book. She may deviate on some smaller points, but one rule is absolute. She will not get involved with another doctor. One was more than enough.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Benedict Campbell isn’t looking for anything serious. He’s intrigued by Poppy and the tension that fills the air whenever they’re together.

Spontaneity isn’t in either of their vocabularies, but the heat between them is too strong. One evening they give in to the attraction, but only after setting up a few ground rules. When it’s done, they walk away and never speak of the night again.

But never speaking of it again becomes hard to do when there's a baby on the way.

Cindy Kirk returns to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for this captivating story of second chances.

The pairing of social worker Poppy Westover and Dr. Benedict Campbell surprised me. Ben is an extremely busy surgeon and has been linked to several woman throughout this series—none of the relationships panned out. Poppy returned to Jackson Hole after a painful divorce and was rebuilding her career and was starting to socialize with her friends. The intense sexual attraction between the couple drew me into the story immediately.

Both Ben and Poppy have trust and commitment issues. Cindy Kirk writes a compelling story for this couple. Ben and Poppy are allowed time to explore their friendship and own their feelings for one and other. Poppy can’t help but compare Ben with her former husband. Both men are charming, confident surgeons who adhere to schedules and are used to getting what they desire. The similarities are too much for Poppy in the beginning of the relationship and haunt her throughout the story. Ben has trust issues and isn’t sure he can fully commit to a relationship.

Cindy Kirk weaves several themes -- families and their expectations, infidelity, infertility and freedom of choice-throughout the novel. She is able to incorporate these themes into Ben and Poppy’s story effortlessly. I could relate to the push-pull of the romance because with each chapter the couple shared more with each other.Their conversations were filled with honestly, anguish and heartbreak… so very relatable.

I adore Cindy Kirk’s voice – her characters are multi-faceted and her well-plotted stories are filled with compelling issues Ben and Poppy’s journey was passionate, emotional and so very rewarding. Am looking forward to the next Jackson Hole story.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Susan's Review of You May Kiss the Groomsman by Samantha Chase -Meet Me at the Altar #3

It seemed like a good idea at the time…

When Josie Sullivan agrees to marry her friend Tyler, it’s just so he’ll get a promotion at work. That’s what friends do, right? But what should have been a quick, quiet affair starts to look like the real thing when his family shows up in the middle of the “proposal.” Now, it’s no longer a quick stop at the courthouse during a lunch break, but a full-blown wedding and there’s nothing Josie can do to stop it.

There was no way he could hold his peace…

Daniel Alexander hasn’t been home in years. After fifteen years as a Navy SEAL, he’s more than ready to return to civilian life. Being away for so long, he’s missed a lot of his younger brother’s life and it seems like he’s back just in time to stop him from making the biggest mistake of his life. No matter how he breaks it down, something’s just not adding up about this wedding and he’s determined to figure out why. And he’s not just trying to stop it from happening because he’s finding himself wildly attracted to the bride-to-be.

Or because they can’t stop kissing each other.

Josie had given up on finding her own happily ever after and as her attraction to Daniel keeps growing, she’s suddenly regretting her decision to help out a friend. Now she just needs to decide if she wants to kiss the groom…or the groomsman.

Samantha Chase writes an engaging, heartfelt story for Josie Sullivan and Daniel Alexander. The instant attraction between Josie and Daniel drew me into their story.

Josie Sullivan is an independent, confident businesswoman who can handle any business- related crisis. In the past year, her brother Elliot has married Skye; Josie’s friend and business partner. Skye and Elliot are celebrating the birth of their new born daughter. Lea who owns Meet me at the Altar with Josie and Skye is newly engaged. Samantha Chase crafted this piece of the story perfectly-it was so relatable. Josie was thrilled for Skye and Lea but, at the same time she was realizing that something was missing in her life.

Tyler Alexander and Josie have been friends for years. He is all about himself and his career. Tyler offers Josie a marriage of convenience with a one year commitment—so he can make partner at his law firm. The author does a fabulous job scripting this piece of the story. Tyler knows Josie is feeling left out and he pushes at Josie to accept his offer and then disappears on a work assignment.

Tyler’s older brother, Daniel Alexander has returned home after 15 years in the navy. The former Navy Seal and his partners have started a security business. The instant attraction between Daniel and Josie was HOT. The undeniable chemistry paired with Josie’s commitment to Tyler was perfectly written and I rooted for Josie and Daniel to own their feelings.

You May Kiss the Groomsman is a fun twist on the marriage of convenience storyline. The charming characters, the steamy romance and the family drama kept me engaged in this book. The relationship between Skye, Lea and Josie changes and develops during each novel. Loved that their commitment to each other and their growing business remained strong as they balanced their love and work lives.

Samantha Chase scores a hat trick with the Meet Me at the Altar series! Each novel is filed with engaging characters and heartfelt romance. I love that this series is a little edgier, the romance is more sensuous and the each couple faces different challenges.

Am wondering who will Meet Xander and Knox At The Altar?

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author