Susan's Review of I'll Be There by Samantha Chase

'Oh my God. What happened to you?"

Those were the first words Gabriella uttered when she stepped into Zach's home the next day. He was covered in sweat and his hand was bleeding, and she noticed a harried-looking woman wearing scrubs scurrying around collecting things.

Zach glared at her and then at the woman in scrubs. "Good riddance!" he yelled as she walked out the door. It slammed behind her but Zach's eyes were instantly back on Gabriella's. "What the hell are you doing here?"

She kept her back to him for two reasons-one, she needed a moment to compose herself. In all the years she had worked for Zach, Gabriella had never seen him look like this--ragged, almost dirty. Defeated. And two, she was waiting him out to see how long it was going to take for him to start throwing his weight around in an attempt to make her leave.

She had the patience of a saint and nothing else to do today. The ball was in his court.
Her confidence was boosted by the mere fact that they had played this game dozens of times of times in the office, and she was always able to outwit him. Zach hated silence just as much as he hated when people didn't do exactly what he wanted when he wanted.

She'd missed this. And him. 

Zach Montgomery was severely injured in a mountain climbing fall. Zach has returned home to recuperate and is refusing help from his family. He's fired dozens of home health aides and his company Montgomery Enterprises is suffering because he is unable to return to work. William Montgomery has a two-fold plan for his nephew which should get Zach back to work and walking down the aisle. Walking down the aisle? Yes! William Montgomery is a wealthy businessman who dabbles as the family matchmaker.

I'll Be There is the sixth book in Samantha Chase's Montgomery series. The characters and their journey set this book apart from the books in the series. I'll Be There examines what happens when a driven businessman and athlete is severely injured in a sports- related accident. Zach's journey takes him from denial, recovery and finally acceptance as he comes to terms with the fact that he almost died. The author offers a realistic portrayal of a bitter, independent man who doesn't want assistance from anyone until he accepts his situation and chooses recovery over self -pity.

The characters of Zach and Gabriella are multi-faceted and they are very different from the other characters in the series. Although the couple is attracted to each other, their path to romance has several surprising detours. Zach is a perfectionist, he's headstrong and very independent. He is a successful businessman and he loves the challenge of extreme sports in his spare time. Gabriella Martine is a no nonsense type of person. She's Zach's assistant and Gabriella "gets" him. She has worked with Zach and understands him better than most of his family members. Faced with losing his position in his company or accepting Gabriella's help, Zach chooses to work with Gabby. Samantha Chase has created a great heroine. Gabriella's past and her family life are brought to light during the story and it's important for the reader to understand how Gabriella's past has influenced her and plays a part in her choices.

Kudos to Samantha Chase for writing a well-paced look at the emotional and physical issues after a life threatening accident. Loved the mutual attraction between the characters and how it simmered slowly at the beginning of the novel. I'll Be There is a fabulous story of a determined man and the woman who loves him and has strength enough for both of them. I read this book in one day as I was invested in the characters and their story. And I am hoping to read another Montgomery book soon!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Review edited by Brian McGee - Thanks Brian!
ARC provided by Sourcebooks.

Susan's Review of Kieran Kramer's Second Chance at Two Love Lane

From USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer, comes Second Chance at Two Love Lane, a fast-paced tale about the intoxicating effects of fame and what happens when a past romance is rekindled behind the silver screen.

Sometimes love is waiting in the second act...

In her professional career, Ella Mancini plays matchmaker at Two Love Lane but, in her personal life, she takes the stage at the Dock Street Theatre. Now she has a chance at a new role in a Hollywood movie that happens to be filming in Charleston—one that features a big-name actress, Samantha Drake. Long ago, Ella passed up a major audition while awaiting a marriage proposal. Not only didn’t she get the role; she never got the ring, either. Instead, her boyfriend Hank went on to become a huge film star…leaving her, and all her dreams, behind.

But now Hank’s back in Charleston, cast as the male lead in the same movie Ella’s in. In spite of the dramatic tension off-screen, he and Ella try to stay cool onset. But when their old feelings start to heat up—at the same time leading-lady Samantha tries to play cupid—all bets are off. How can Hank convince Ella, after all this time, that she’s the one he really wants to be with in real life—and that some happy, rom-com endings really can come true?

I love Kieran Kramer’s Two Love Lane series! Ella Mancini and Hank Rogers are featured in Second Chance at Two Love Lane. I enjoyed reading every page of this fast- paced story and adored the characters!

The prologue scenes which featured Ella, her father and Hank were full of love and emotion and set the scene for the novel perfectly. To celebrate Ella’s birthday, Mr. Mancini treats her to a Broadway show and to a special dessert. Mr. Mancini understands Ella’s creative spirit, her desire to act and he enjoyed making memories with his daughter. Hank introduces himself to Ella and tells her that they will meet again.

Ella Mancini and Hank Roger dated when she returned to New York after college. Things ended badly when Ella turned down an acting role because she thought Hank was going to propose. Hank chose acting over Ella and is now a big movie star. Ella moved to Charleston, South Carolina and opened Two Love Lane, a matchmaking business with her college friends Macy and Greer. Ella keeps busy with her Two Love Lane clients and she performs in Community Theater.

Kieran Kramer descriptive writing style, subtle humor and crisp dialogue blend perfectly in this novel. I adored the scene when Ella and Hank ran into each other. In less than 30 seconds he annoyed Ella by inviting her to lunch to catch up and then offered her a role in the movie. I imagined Miss. Thing dressed up as Queen Elizabeth and Ella’s Nonnas taking over Ella’s apartment to watch reality tv. I loved Ella’s Nonna Sofia and Nonna Boo; they reminded me of my great aunts. Nonna Sofia’s story of her shoe subtly introduces her desire for Ella—for Ella to marry the man of her heart. And of course, Hank hears every word.

Second Chance at Two Love Lane is a charming, engaging read. The Charleston setting oozes southern charm and old world traditions. Loved the friendship between Macy, Greer, Ella and Miss. Thing which has been an important part of each story in the series. They believe in the art of matchmaking and give each client a chance at love. The Mancini women, especially the Nonna’s, add so much depth and humor to the storyline. Everyone could see that Hank and Ella loved each other and deserved a chance at love—even Hank’s co-star Samantha played matchmaker for the couple. I loved that the story took place in seven days and that Kieran Kramer was able to write a fantastic story for Ella. Both characters had to learn to talk honestly with each other before they could move forward. The conclusion took me by surprise—in such a good way! The last few pages of the book are full of drama, emotion and a fabulous game of scrabble! I laughed and cried until the very last word! Second Chance at Two Love Lane has all the feels—it’s romantic, funny and heartwarming!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Paperback ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains

USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains invites you to the delightful North Carolina town of Sweetwater Springs in this all-new series . . .

'Tis the season for a fresh start . . .

It's the start of the holiday season in the North Carolina mountains, and the air is fresh and crisp and filled with promise. After the devastating loss of her job in the big city, the small town of Sweetwater Springs feels like heaven to Kaitlyn Russo. She's inherited her grandparents' charming (if a little rundown) bed and breakfast, and it's just the new lease on life she needs. Only "heaven" comes with a catch-and a handsome and completely infuriating one at that.
After what he hopes will be a quick trip, Mitch Hargrove wants nothing more than to put his hometown in the rearview mirror. But his plans get derailed when he learns he's now half-owner of the Sweetwater B&B. The fact that he's given only two months to make the inn a success is a huge problem, but it's his pretty-and incredibly headstrong-partner who's the real challenge. With the holiday fast approaching and a grand re-opening looming, will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past . . . or will he realize the true gift he's been given?

Christmas on Mistletoe Lane is the debut novel in Annie Rains’ new Sweetwater Springs series. I adore reading Annie Rains novels because she creates interesting, relatable characters and unique, emotional stories for them. Kaitlyn Russo and Mitch Hargrove learn they have inherited the Sweetwater B&B from Kaitlyn’s grandmother. Mabel Russo’s will stipulates that Kaitlyn and Mitch have 8 weeks to get the B&B up and running and they must run the inn together. The unusual provision in Mabel’s will intrigued me and drew me into the story.

Grandmother Mabel’s inheritance is the answer to Kaitlyn’s prayers. She left her job after a client made unwanted advances towards her and desperately needs a fresh start. Kaitlyn needed the B&B to be successful. I love how running the inn, becoming a member of the Sweetwater community and connecting with her guests restored her confidence. Mitch worked for Kaitlyn’s grandparents and isn’t sure if the B&B can be restored or if they can even afford to pay for the inn’s upkeep. Mitch spends time with his mom and reconnects with his high school friends. Annie Rains writes great military heroes; I adored Mitch Hargrove. His transformation from a broody ex-marine to an important member of the Sweetwater community was flawlessly written.

Annie Rains is an amazing story teller—her descriptive voice and her honest, emotional dialogue draws you into the story. I could picture Mitch and Kaitlyn picking out the Christmas tree for the inn, Mitch teaching Kaitlyn to cook and the couple falling in love as they worked together to restore the inn. I adored the attraction between Kaitlyn and Mitch, the B&B guests and their stories, the importance of community in the town and the secondary characters of Alex, Tuck Cassie and Kyle. Mitch’s conflicting emotions and career decisions play an important role in the story. The last few chapters of the novel are perfectly paced, emotional and very romantic as Mitch realizes the true spirit of Mabel’s gift.

If you are looking to read a holiday story full of second chances, romance and magic, pick up a copy of Christmas on Mistletoe Lane. It’s got all the feels—and a fabulous holiday message.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Review Copy from the Author

Book purchased via Amazon