Susan's Review of Jackson by Emily March

Sometimes it takes a new beginning

Caroline Carruthers thinks she buried her dreams along with the love of her life…until a stranger named Celeste dares her to chase a dream all on her own. Moving to Redemption, Texas, is chapter one in Caroline’s new life story. Opening a bookstore is the next. Finding love is the last thing on her mind as she settles into this new place called home. But when she meets a handsome, soulful man who’s also starting over, all bets are off.

to reach a happily-ever-after Jackson McBride came to Redemption looking only to find himself, not someone to love. Ever since his marriage ended, he’s been bitter. Sure, he used to believe in love—he even has the old song lyrics to prove it—but the Jackson of today is all business. That is, until a beautiful young widow who’s moved to town inspires a change of heart. Could it be that the myth of Redemption’s healing magic is true…and Jackson and Caroline can find a second chance at a happy ending after all?

Emily March’s novel Jackson is fabulous! The author’s descriptive writing sets the scene for this novel of second chances. I could envision the waterfall in the Enchanted Canyon, the rugged Last Chance Saloon and the rooms in the Fallen Angel Inn. The McBride cousins, Caroline and Angelica are not perfect; each has issues to resolve. I was drawn into the story because the characters and their stories were relatable.

Songwriter Jackson McBride has hit bottom. His ex-wife has obtained full custody of their daughter. And to make matters worse, she has issued a restraining order against him. The legal bills have emptied Jackson’s bank account and he is at a standstill artistically—he hasn’t written a music lyric in months. He accepts an invitation and meets his cousins Boone and Tucker in Redemption, Texas. I loved how Jackson grabbed the lifeline Boone tossed him.

Caroline Carruthers husband is in a memory care center. She meets Celeste Blessing outside of the center and helps Celeste to a bench. Celeste gives Caroline a bit of advice; she tells her that “when you stand on your own, you stand tallest.” Celeste works her magic and Caroline agrees to travel to Redemption, Texas to write an article for a travel magazine.

Sparks fly when Jackson and Caroline meet--- Jackson sees Caroline and a lyric begins to form in his head. He realizes that he might be able to write music again. Caroline is trying her best to accept that her husband doesn’t remember her and she needs to move forward with her life. Emily March does a fabulous job portraying Caroline and Jackson’s inner conflicts. Jackson put his anger behind him and stepped up to handle a tragic event. Caroline grieved for her husband and their life together. She came to understand that she could start over, moved to Redemption and opened a bookstore. Loved Jackson and Caroline’s friends to lovers romance – the slow burn worked perfectly for this couple. Caroline knows in her heart that what they have is special and her trust in Jackson is tested several times in the novel.

I enjoyed the bantering between Celeste and her cousin Angelica, the characters of Boone, Tucker and Maisy and the small town feel of Redemption. The author writes a fabulous epilogue for the couple and hints at Boone and Tucker’s stories.

Second chance romances are my favorite—and Emily March has hit a homerun with Jackson! The novel has all the feels-the beautiful setting, the charming characters and their heartfelt stories will captivate you.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Susan's Review of Tempted By Taylor by Cindy Kirk

The things we do for love…
Taylor Rollins will do anything to save her family. When her well-paying position is eliminated, Taylor is left scrambling to find another in a tight market. When CEO Nick Lanagan III offers her a temporary job as his fake fiancée, the deal the handsome businessman offers is too good to pass up.
Nick needs a fiancée for the summer and smart and gorgeous Taylor more than fits the bill. Though determined to keep the arrangement strictly business, Nick breaks one of his own rules by falling for Taylor. But three months with her is not nearly long enough; he wants her in his life for good.
Now he faces his toughest challenge; convincing Taylor that her summer fiancé is ready to become her forever husband

Taylor Rollins barges into her employer’s office and tosses a pink slip on his desk and asks him to explain why she’s been terminated. Nick Lanagan, CEO of Lanagan Associates, is surprised that Taylor was hired and fired in three weeks’ time but, he offers her a job—as his fake fiancé!

Tempted by Taylor is a sweet romance filled with fabulous characters, a bit of business intrigue and is set in Colorado. Taylor accepts Nick’s job offer in order to pay down her late father’s gambling debts. Nick assumes that Taylor has racked up her credit cards and needs the money to pay them down.

Cindy Kirk does a fabulous job weaving in social and spiritual elements in this story. Loved the company picnic scenes and the pre-marital counseling sessions-they enabled Nick and Taylor to get to know each other. I loved that the couple’s romance developed slowly and that both characters learned to trust each other. Taylor’s grandparents provided her with an example of a loving relationship; the author does a fabulous job bringing Nick into the Rollins family social circle. Nick accepts Taylor no sex before marriage rule but doesn’t like it. I loved reading this couples journey. It was very relatable. Although there was sexual chemistry between the couple; there were several misunderstandings and arguments between them. It took time for Nick to acknowledge that Taylor’s faith and family came first; not business.

Cindy Kirk creates memorable characters. Loved Taylor’s grandparents, Kaye and Bill Rollins, Claire, Nick’s ex-girlfriend and Nick’s friend and attorney Erik. Each character contributed to the storyline. I can’t wait to see who captures Claire’s heart-she was a fascinating character. The ending of the novel has several surprises. Loved the last chapter—the perfect ending for this couple.

If you are looking for a sweet romance filled with great characters, Tempted by Taylor is the perfect read for you!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Mad For Love by Elizabeth Essex

Mad For Love

by Elizabeth Essex

☆☆☆☆☆

So Mignon spends her life looking out for her

father. He is a brilliant artist. The problem is he

doesn't use his talent for his own works of art.

Instead, he forges famous pieces.

Mignon has begged her father to give up

his practice!  To go honest.

 But before Mignon can convince her father to do so,

along comes Rory. It is his job to seek out those

that forge art. He has a very strong feeling. 

 

On a night, Rory comes face to face with Mignon.

He is sunk. It is love at first sight. And from then

on, he will do whatever he must to protect her.

Mad for Love is a romance read with so much

fun humor. I found myself smiling, shaking my

head and laughing.

 

Elizabeth Essex was not new for me, but it has been

a long time. I am so glad that a friend gave me a

heads up for this one. And now, I will pass that

tidbit of information on to you.

 

I got my copy from Amazon.

Review by Lisa Hutson