All I Want by Jill Shalvis - audio version

All I Want

by Jill Shalvis

Audio Version

 

All I Want is book 7 of the Animal Magnetism series.

I could make this shortest review ever.

You simply cannot go wrong with a Jill Shalvis story.

There, that's it. No, seriously, her characters are always

fun and easy to read. They are real with flaws and

issues. In this story, Zoe is a pilot. Yes, not

necessarily someone you run into every day.

But she is also an animal lover. She is not afraid

of flying a plane. But she is afraid of trusting

anyone outside her very tiny circle.
Parker is a tough, bossy, determined, good looking

man. He is not afraid of being run over by a truck.

Or having a gun pointed straight at him. But he is

 afraid that his little sister, Amery, will get lost or hurt.

Parker is also afraid that Amery won't have the

fullest life possible. He is afraid that Zoe won't want

him as much as he wants her. 

Which all makes them the perfect couple of course.

 

 

The narration is terrific. Karen White has done a

number of Jills stories. She has a distinct voice.

And fits the stories and characters very well.All I Want is a fun, romantic read.  

 

When you put it all together, it makes a wonderful

audio story. I hope you will give it a try and

enjoy it as much as I did.

 

I bought my audio copy from Audible.com

Review by Lisa Hutson





SAUVIGNON BLANC TO SIGH FOR by Pamela Gibson: Feb 14

They’re best friends until a wine and food pairing competition 
throws them together in an intimate, tension-filled setting. 

SAUVIGNON BLANC TO SIGH FOR

Love in Wine Country #4

Pamela Gibson

Releasing Feb 13th, 2017

Sarah James has always wanted to be part of a family. Her divorced parents are estranged and she has no siblings. But she does have friends, especially Sam, who’s always underfoot…eating her food, fixing stuff in her house, and seeking advice about his love life.

Aspiring winemaker Sam Reynoso has taken care of Sarah since the sixth grade. She’s smart, comfortable, and indulgent. They’re best friends until a wine and food pairing competition throws them together in an intimate, tension-filled setting.

As feelings neither of them expected start to emerge, each will have to decide if their relationship will evolve, or if their newfound love will be nipped in the bud by a crushing secret.

Pamela Gibson grew up loving books, history, and small towns. Her first career was a newspaper reporter, but when she returned to college to get a master’s degree, it was in public administration which eventually led to jobs running cities…not as an elected official, but as a city manager, the chief appointed one.

Writing was still her passion and in her spare time—between meetings and raising two active kids—she was contracted to write several books on local history. Taking an early retirement at the urging of her very supportive husband, she turned to fiction and began writing the happy ending novels she loves to read.

She now spends half her time on land and the other half cruising coastal or inland waters in her 32-foot boat. She speed-eats chocolates when she’s nervous, squeals when she sees a spider, and loves to relax with a good read with a mellow glass of wine.  

Link to Rafflecopter Page:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac4c81222/? 

Pamela Gibson’s novel Sauvignon Blanc to Sigh For tells the story of wine maker Sam Reynoso and his childhood friend Sarah James and their special bond.

Sam is a handsome, charming flirt who falls in and out of love all the time. Women are drawn to him but he can’t seem to keep a steady girlfriend. At the beginning of the novel, he seeks out his childhood friend Sarah after a particularly bad breakup. Sam invites himself over to Sarah’s for dinner the next night and they talk about her upcoming two- week vacation. Sam loves Sarah’s cooking and mentions that she should open a restaurant; she fires back that he should open a winery.

During dessert, Sam confesses to Sarah that he’s signed both of them up to participate in an invitational couple’s wine and food competition. He has given her four days to select, shop and prepare food pairing for the wines. And to make add insult to injury, Sam suggests that Sarah do something with her hair and clothes because “neither of us looks like someone the other would date.’

Fueled by Sam’s comments, Sarah changes her appearance from the girl next door to the woman of Sam’s dreams! She has cut and colored her hair, wears contacts and buys a few sexy outfits to show Sam up. I loved the laugh out loud back and forth banter between Sarah and Sam throughout the novel.

‘Do you think people will believe we’re a couple now, Mr. Hot Guy?’ Her voice was low and sexy, her soft mouth curved into a secret smile.
‘Geez, Sarah. You didn’t have to change your appearance.”
‘Sure, I did. We’re supposed to be a couple in a committed relationship. I have to look like the girls you date. I have to be warm and affectionate and look at you like you’re my dessert course.”

Loved Sam’s reaction to the ‘new’ Sarah and the romance that sizzles between them as they work together during the contest. After the first day of the competition, Sam realizes that he needs to up his marking and presentation skills for the judges because he receives more positive feedback about Sarah’s appetizers than his wine! Sarah supports him throughout each phase of the contest as the risk of elimination intensifies each day. The conclusion to the novel holds a few surprises and a major set -back for the couple. Their friendship is put to the test. Kudos to Pamela Gibson for a heart- warming story about wine, fabulous food, friendship and forgiveness!

If you enjoy reading authors Sherryl Woods, Samantha Chase and Melanie Shawn, pick up this novel—you will love it!

Review by Susan 

 

Sarah hopped off the couch, fists clenched. “Are you out of your freakin’ mind? I’m not doing this. I’m going to Sea Ranch or Morro Bay or Santa Barbara…somewhere with a beach.”

“But this is a great opportunity, Sarah. The judges are enologists and wine and food raters from the big magazines. Even if we don’t win, we can get our talents in front of people who can make things happen for us.”

“We? I don’t want to be a chef. I’m a planner. A damn good one.”

He swiped his fingers over his hair. “You hate the politics. You know you’re a gourmet cook. This is a great chance for you as well as me.”

She planted her hands on her hips and glared. “No. No. No.”

“Why are you being like this?”

She raised her voice. “We’re not a couple. You said this is for couples. To me that means married or engaged. Now eat your cobbler, and I’ll go in the kitchen and make coffee.”

“How can you say that? We’ve been a couple since we were kids. Our friendship is probably stronger than most marriages.”

“But this implies a committed relationship. It would be dishonest.” She stood her ground, but he had a point. If it didn’t specifically say engaged or married, they’d technically qualify.

He hung his head and looked up at her through those lashes most women would kill for. “Uh, Sarah? I already signed us up.”

“What?” she shrieked. “Sam, I can’t believe you did this. I could just…just…this is exactly what you do, every time. Take over and do what you want, and don’t even bother to think about the person you‘re going to rope into your latest scheme. No.”

“It’s only a week. You can have the second week all to yourself.” He got up and stood in front of her, so close she had to look up at him. “Can’t you pretend that we’re more than friends for a week? I know you love me.”

“Yes…like a brother…a big, overgrown, aggravating, controlling, nuisance of a brother.”

“But you’ll do it.”

“No.” She looked up at him and knew instantly why women fell at his feet. His shoulders were immense, and the light stubble on his face made him look dangerous. But the heat in his eyes could melt rocks in an iceberg.

He put his hands on her shoulders and pulled her toward him. It was a brotherly hug, one they’d shared often. “Think about it. I’ve paid the fee, but I can stand to lose it.”

“How much was it?” She murmured against his chest.

“Two grand.”

Two thousand dollars? She pushed him away and faced the kitchen. 

Spotlight and Review of One More Kiss by Samantha Chase

One More Kiss (Shaughnessy: Band on the Run)

MATT REED IS HIDING

…from his fans

…from his past

…from a failure too painful to contemplate

Most of all, Matt is hiding from himself.

VIVIENNE FORRESTER IS A WOMAN WHO GIVES HER ALL

…to her friends and family

…to her online food blog

…to the man she loves

Vivienne will try anything and everything to coax Matt out of his self-imposed exile. But for this to work, Matt is going to have to meet her halfway…

Amazon |  B&N | iBooks

Goodreads

Review

In One More Kiss, Samantha Chase presents a poignant, passionate story of one man’s triumph over personal and professional disappointments. As a guitarist for the legendary rock band Shaughnessy, Matty Read was used to success, parties and lots of media attention. The band members decided to take a break from touring to pursue different creative outlets. Matty chooses to perform a musical on Broadway, however, much to his disappointment the musical closed after 3 performances. While his band members have achieved success during the break, Matty has crashed and burned in a big way. Members of the media have questioned his singing ability and his work ethic.

 Samantha Chase’s portrayal of Matt’s struggles takes on an edgy tone. In the novel, the reader senses the intensity of his inner struggle. Was he really the party hearty, Jack Daniels drinking rock star Matty Read? Or was he Matt Read; the singer songwriter from North Carolina? 

Vivienne Forester is Matt’s best friend’s sister and she’s had a huge crush on Matt for years. A successful food blogger and editor, she is moving into a cottage on her brother’s property. Vivienne is not amused when her brother tells her that Matt is hiding out from the media at their home. Loved that the author provided a backstory to Matt and Vivienne’s romance as it clearly defined the difficulties faced by Matt’s rock star persona and provided the reader with Vivienne’s perspective. 

I am glad the author chose to have romance between Matt and Vivienne progress slowly in this character-driven novel. Both characters need to sort out issues before they can take the leap from friends to lovers. Vivienne is one of Ms. Chase’s best characters. She’s is independent, smart and very career- oriented. Even though the chemistry between Matt and Vivienne sizzles during the novel, she is aware that Matt is restless. How can she have a serious relationship with a man who hiding out from reality? 

The last few chapters are superbly written in this novel. Matt’s past and present seem to simultaneously collide in front of him. His friendship with Aaron, Viv’s brother, is tested and Riley presents him with a huge opportunity. Will Matt and Vivienne be able to exist in each other’s worlds? In One More Kiss, Ms, Chase delivers a terrific contemporary fiction novel with characters whose unique story has the perfect happily ever after!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher

 

About the Author

Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Since then, she has published twenty more titles and has become a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband of twenty-five years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Website  💗  Twitter  💗  G+   💗 Goodreads 

Excerpt

Then they easily moved on to “Chopsticks.” And from there she moved on to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” They both laughed as she played it and Matt sang along and then he played it back for her, teasing that she needed to sing it to him.

She declined but laughed the entire time. There was no way she was singing for him – she knew her strengths and weaknesses and singing was not a strength.

“What about this one?” he asked and started the very basic beginnings of “Heart and Soul.”

“Oh,” she sighed, “this is one of my favorites.” She joined in and together they went on to play a duet – with Matt doing the A-section and Vivienne doing the chords. Their shoulders bumped together as they played and she couldn’t help the tingles she got as Matt quietly sang the lyrics beside her.

When she turned her head and caught him watching her with an odd expression on his face, she began to wonder if maybe he was remembering – the way he’d held her that night and kissed her…and let her go.

She jumped up from the bench so quickly she stumbled and almost fell over onto her butt. When she righted herself, Vivienne looked at him with wide eyes, her heart beating madly. “Sorry.”

“You okay?” he asked, obviously concerned.

“Um…yeah. I had a…a um…leg cramp and I needed to get up and move.” Way to sound like an eighty-year-old woman, Viv, she cursed herself. Trying to prove she wasn’t lying, she limped around a bit and then sat back down on the very edge of the bench – effectively putting space between the two of them. “So…I think you should be good to go. Why don’t you play something for me?” Her voice sounded weird even to her own ears.

Matt was still looking at her funny, but he didn’t say a word. He cleared his throat as he turned and put his focus on the keyboard and began to play. It was slightly off and riddled with mistakes, but he kept going. Vivienne was learning more and more about him, but she could tell he was tempted to stop and start over again with every mistake. But he didn’t. He kept on playing and singing.

He opted for the Elton John tune, and as he had before, he sang as he played. Vivienne could only stand and listen, his voice washing over her. She knew he hadn’t purposely chosen this song –the lyrics weren’t his – but for one brief moment, she let her imagination run wild. A small sigh escaped her lips as she imagined it was her own sweet eyes he was singing about.

Matt was looking at her again, and Vivienne felt hot all over. She was feeling things she shouldn’t. He was making her feel things she shouldn’t. Or maybe he was just singing lyrics, and she was reading too much into them. When he turned back to the piano and continued to sing, she told herself that was all it was – her imagination.

Her stupid overactive imagination.

With her mind somewhat made up, she allowed herself to relax a little and just enjoy the music. As the last note faded and the room became silent, she knew he was waiting for her to give him feedback. Forcing herself to smile, she turned her head and looked at him. “That was pretty good. I would never know you were new to playing the piano.”

“Really?” he asked, and she could tell he didn’t fully believe her. “Because it was riddled with mistakes.”

She shrugged. “And it’s completely normal. Everyone makes mistakes, especially in the beginning. If this is something you want to pursue, just keep practicing. Eventually, you’ll get to the point where you’ll be able to compose music of your own.”

He smiled gratefully. “You think so?”

“Matt, you know you have talent.”

“I used to…”

“That’s a bunch of bull and you know it,” she said a bit harshly. “You can’t be good at everything. It sucks but there it is. You’re a very talented musician. So you can’t act? Big deal? So you’re better at backup vocals than lead? There are worse things that could happen! Seriously, you have more skill and musical ability than most people, why can’t you just be happy with that?”

His answer wasn’t immediate. Instead, he got up and went to the kitchen and grabbed them each a bottle of water. When he walked back over and handed Vivienne hers, he smiled sadly, “I hate to fail.”

She couldn’t help but smile back. “It’s natural. We all do. You have to cut yourself some slack. If I were to get up on a stage and try to do what you do, I’d fail too. But it doesn’t mean I’d beat myself up over it. You just have to know your limitations.”

He sat back beside her and nudged her playfully with his shoulder. “Oh come on, you can’t tell me you haven’t tried to play the guitar a time or two. Or sang into a hairbrush while looking in the mirror. Everyone does that one. Or sings in the shower.”

“Oh, I sing all the time,” she quipped. “Just not well. And I’m okay with it.”

“Normally I am. I learned a long time ago it was better just to prove people wrong. But lately…”

“Okay, so what is it going to take for you to get over this?” she interrupted. “Because it seems like you are refusing to move on.”

“Move on? It just happened!”

“Weeks ago, Matt!” she cried. “I mean, I could see the first week, even the second, but now? It’s time to move on! You’re giving the press and the haters all the power! And personally, I think you’re making it worse by hiding out.”

His eyes went wide. “Excuse me?”

Okay – insert foot in mouth.