Susan's Review of A Love So Sweet by Addison Cole Sweet with Heat: Weston Bradens #1

Discover the magic of the Bradens, and fall in love with Addison Cole’s rich and romantic storytelling

In A LOVE SO SWEET…
Treat Braden wasn’t looking for love when Max Armstrong walked into his Nassau resort, but he saw right through the efficient and capable facade she wore like a shield to the sweet, sensual woman beneath. One magnificent evening together sparked an intense connection, and for the first time in his life Treat wanted more than a casual affair. But something caused Max to turn away, and now, after weeks of unanswered phone calls and longing for the one woman he cannot have, Treat is going back to his family’s ranch to try to finally move on.
A chance encounter brings Treat and Max together again, and it turns into a night of intense passion and honesty. When Max reveals her secret, painful past, Treat vows to do everything within his power to win Max’s heart forever—including helping her finally face her demons head-on.
A Love So Sweet is a Sweet with Heat novel and conveys all of the passion you’d expect to find between two people in love without any graphic scenes or harsh language. If you’re looking for a spicier romance, pick up the steamy edition, Lovers at Heart, Reimagined, written by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. Addison Cole is Melissa’s sweet-romance pen name.

Addison Cole is the sweet alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes humorous and emotional sweet contemporary romance. Her books do not include explicit sex scenes or harsh language. Addison spends her summers on Cape Cod, where she dreams up wonderful love stories in her house overlooking Cape Cod Bay.    

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A Love So Sweet is Treat Braden and Max Armstrong’s story. The sizzling chemistry between Treat and Max drew me into the story. The emotion, passion and pure romance of their romance kept me turning the pages.

I liked that Treat and Max got to know each other as they planned a double weeding in Nassau. The couple talked for several months over the phone as they planned a wedding and the chemistry between them sizzled. Loved that they both had romantic fantasies about each other. They meet in Nassau and share a romantic evening. Treat sees Max the next morning wearing the same outfit as the night before, misreads the situation and heads home to Colorado to spend time with his family.

Loved the scene when Treat sees Max at a party in Colorado—I could feel the attraction between the couple—it sizzled! Both Treat and Max have trust issues. While the couple dances, Treat apologizes and explains why he left her in Nassau. Max shares a bad experience that she had with her college boyfriend.

Treat Braden is one of my favorite Addison Cole heroes. He realizes that he has misjudged Max and owns his mistake. This was his second chance and he was not going to let it slip by. Treat has family issues to resolve and the author does a fabulous job introducing the Braden clan. He’s got trust issues and a family rivalry to work through; these issues show he’s not perfect. Loved the dialogue between the Braden brothers and the bigger than life character of Hal Braden.

Max Armstrong is a successful event planner who thrives on multi-tasking. I loved that she wanted to put her past behind her by confronting her college boyfriend. Max’s feelings for Treat overwhelmed her at times. But, she knew that she needed to put the past in its place. These scenes were very painful and emotional—and perfectly written.

The romance between the couple unfolds with each chapter. They share romantic dinners, bond over chocolate cake and visit Cape Cod. Treat listens to Max-he hears her—and they begin a relationship built on trust—this part of the storyline worked for me. I liked that the couple worked together—their communication wasn’t always perfect—but they learned to believe in each other and their love. The last few chapters of the book were very intense; with brotherly rivalry, business decisions and family and romantic pressures all coming into play. The ending was fabulous and full of Hope!

A Love So Sweet has it all- characters who will steal your heart, beautiful settings, an emotional story filled with joy, passion, forgiveness, love and a bit of magic. I loved every word—and hope you will too!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Susan's Review of Until There Was Us by Samantha Chase

He'll have to play his cards just right for her to take a chance on him...
Megan Montgomery has always been careful...except that one time she threw caution to the wind and hooked up with a sexy groomsman at her cousin's wedding. But that was two years ago—so why can't she stop thinking about Alex Rebat?
Alex has been living the good life. He loves his job, has a great circle of friends, and doesn't answer to anyone. The problem? There's only one woman he wants and she ran out on him after one amazing weekend. But now that Megan's coming back to town, Alex hopes he can convince her to take another chance on him...and on a future that can only be built together.

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The Montgomerys Are Back . . . .

Megan Montgomery and Alex Rebat met each other at Zach Montgomery’s wedding and spent a passionate weekend in a Portland, Oregon hotel suite. Alex and Megan kept in touch for a few months but, things didn’t work out. It was hard for them to maintain a relationship as Megan lived in New York and had an overwhelming work schedule. I loved that both Megan and Alex had a strong connection with each other after two years. Samantha Chase took a chance on this couple’s backstory—and it worked! I came to love this couple and read their story in one sitting.

I adored Alex Rebat in I’ll Be There and was thrilled that Ms. Chase had written his story. As Zach’s physical therapist, Alex had a pivotal role in Zach’s recovery. Loved that Megan described Alex as “a force of nature.” Alex is a kind, caring, confident man who is always there for his friends and family. Megan Montgomery is a workaholic who is more comfortable in yoga pants, big sweaters and t-shirts. She has moved cross country to take an IT job with Montgomery Industries and is staying with her cousin Zach and his wife.

I was not sure how this story was going to play out. Was it going to be hook up novel? Until There Was Us is a so much more—it’s a story of how love brings out the best in people. At first, Megan did not appear to be a warm, fuzzy person it took me a few chapters to understand her. I wondered if she was the right one for Alex. Neither Megan nor Alex is perfect and this made the story work for me.

It’s clear that Alex loves Megan with all of his heart. The chemistry between Alex and Megan is apparent when they talk to each other at Zach’s home. Their journey and the struggles they encounter unfold with each chapter of the book. Both characters grow in the story. Alex is patient with Megan as she gains confidence in herself, her job and in their relationship.

Alex is one of my favorite Samantha Chase heroes. He is kind to his patients, a good friend to Zach and listens to Megan and does not push or judge her. Zach, Gabriella, Summer, Ethan and their babies add a dose of reality, friendship and humor to the story. There are lots of references to William Montgomery and his matchmaking skills in but, in my opinion it’s Summer’s sassy pug Maylene who works her magic and brings our couple together! The last few chapters of Until There Was Us are perfectly written; the story flowed effortlessly, the writing was crisp and dialogue was emotional. Megan makes a heartfelt decision and conquers several personal issues when she steps up to do something for Alex.

It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone – to take a leap of faith, close your eyes and hope for the best. Samantha Chase took a leap of faith in Until There Was Us by pairing an unlikely couple and offering them a second chance. I adored this well- plotted story and reconnecting with all of the Montgomerys!

Thank you Samantha for dedicating this book to Celeste and I.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Paper back copy gifted from author

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Montgomery Brothers Series:
Wait for Me (Book 1)
Trust in Me (Book 2)
Stay with Me (Book 3)
Return to You (Book 4)
Meant for You (Book 5)
I'll Be There (Book 6)
Until There Was Us (Book 7)

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.