Susan's Review of Starting Over at Blueberry Creek by Annie Rains

Should they fan the flames or douse this fire before someone gets seriously burned?
Firefighter Luke Marini moved to the small town of Sweetwater Springs with the highest of hopes - new town, new job, and new neighbors who know nothing of his past. And that's just how he wants to keep it. But it's nearly impossible when the gorgeous brunette next door decides to be the neighborhood welcome wagon. She's sugar, spice, and everything nice - but getting close to someone again is playing with fire.

Brenna McConnell put college on hold to raise her little sister. Now that Eve is grown, Brenna is ready to leave Blueberry Creek and finish what she started. Moving on isn't easy, however, when her gruff new neighbor gives Eve a dangerous firefighting job. And yet, even as Brenna is telling him off for putting her sister in harm's way, she can't deny the sizzling chemistry between them. She put her dreams on hold once. Is she willing to make that sacrifice again for a chance at forever?




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Luke Marini and Brenna McConnell’s story tugs at your heartstrings. Starting over at Blueberry Creek is sweet, sexy friends to lovers romance with all the feels.

I loved the relationship between sisters between Brenna and Eve. Their conversations are spot on; Eve constantly tests Brenna’s patience while Brenna struggles to realize that Eve is old enough to make her own choices. The sisters’ relationship added a lot of emotion, humor and fun to the story. I was able to understand why Brenna made the choice to give up college to take care of Eve after their parents death and how that choice impacted her life. Eve dreams of joining the Sweetwater Springs fire department while Brenna dreams of finishing her teaching degree. Luke checks in on Brenna after she and Eve have a loud disagreement—loud enough for the neighbors to hear. Sparks fly between the couple but Luke and his dog continue on their walk.

I loved that the romance between the couple developed slowly and I really enjoyed how Luke accidently got into the middle of a huge issue between Eve and Brenna. Luke has his own issues. He’s now the acting fire chief and he is tasked with building a team at the firehouse. The men have slacked off-and sloppy behavior caused the chief to fall. Luke has to earn the respect of his co -workers and get them back on track.

Both Luke and Brenna have scars from the past. Brenna’s scars are emotional related to her parents death while Luke’s physical scars remind him of his survival and the loss his family endured. I adored Luke—he was falling so hard for Brenna—but he didn’t want to hold her back from her dreams.

Annie Rains’ characters make each one of the Sweetwater Springs novels enjoyable to read. I love that the Brenna, Halona and Emma’s friendship continued in this book. And I am hoping Emma’s story is next!

Starting over at Blueberry Creek is filled with family, friends and heart. The romance between Brenna and Luke is slow burn, swoony and so much fun to read! Annie Rains’ mix of romance, humor, family drama and work life issues is the perfect recipe for a fabulous read!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by publisher

Susan's Review of Bachelor Games in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Bring on the Bachelor Games

His latest girlfriend may not have broken his heart, but she sure as heck wounded his pride.

Clay Chapin has looks, money and a knack for picking the wrong women.

When the matchmaking matriarch of Good Hope insists she can find him the perfect woman, Clay figures he has nothing to lose by playing along.

For Bea Appleton, living in the shadow of her vibrant twin is a sucky--but tolerable--place to be. Until her sister is set up with the man Bea has secretly loved for years.

The Bachelor Games are approaching the final inning. It's time for Bea to step up to the plate or risk being shut out and losing Clay forever.



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Good Hope’s favorite matchmaker Gladys Bertholf has added a new twist to her match making services; Bachelor Games! And her first contestant is . . . . High School Principal Clay Chapin!

Gladys has promised to arrange dates for Clay after his latest girlfriend ended their relationship. Clay Chapin is a handsome, well-liked and respected member of the community but, he cannot seem to settle into a long lasting relationship. His brother, sister and mother have found love and Clay realizes that he wants to share his life with someone special.

Bea Appleton has had a crush on Clay for a while. She enjoys his visits to the Book and Cup-the bookstore that she manages. Bea attended Good Hope High School with her twin sister Brittany. Brittany and Bea are opposites; Brittany was outgoing and popular while Bea studied in the library. Cindy Kirk is spot on with the sisters dynamic and she captures the underlying currents in Bea and Britany’s relationship.

Loved that the author weaved in Marigold’s friendship with Bea into the story. Marigold shares her heartbreak over not being able to conceive with Bea. And Marigold works her magic at her salon and transforms Bea with a cut and color. The new hairstyle gives Bea some much needed self-confidence.

The redistricting of Good Hope’s business area is another hot topic in this novel. The Chapins are going to profit from the changes while small business owners like Bea and her friend Piper will be forced to close their business, move or pay higher rents.

Gladys and her assistant, Oaklee arrange several dates for Clay. Loved it when Clay was paired with the long distance runner. She ran ahead and Clay jogged with Bea instead. Loved how the couples relationship developed. Clay realizes that he has feelings for Bea but he’s unable to quit the Bachelor games. Bea’s low self- esteem and several misunderstandings add a touch of drama to this friends to lover’s romance.

Bachelor Games in Good Hope is an entertaining read filled with romance. I love the small town feel of Good Hope series, the strong sense of community and the importance of friends helping neighbors in each book. I adore Cindy Kirk’s voice—she blends family, relationships with a dose of reality in each book.

If you are a fan of friends to lovers romances—pick up Bachelor Games in Good Hope! Grab a mug of tea, your favorite corgi and settle in because Clay and Bea’s story is the perfect winter weekend read!

Reviewed by Susan gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of How the Lady Was Won by Shana Galen-Survivors 7

When a master of disguise marries a woman who sees right through him…
     Lady Daphne, daughter of the Duke of Warcliffe, is one of the Three Suns. Society revolves around her. But there’s one person who doesn’t seem to know she’s alive—her own husband. Lady Daphne was thrilled to marry Colin FitzRoy, the son of her mother’s dear friend, seven years before. But then he left for the army, and their marriage never really had a chance. Now she’s in trouble, and Colin has reentered her life. She’s determined to refuse his help, especially after the way he’s treated her, but Colin can be persuasive…especially when he has her alone.

Baring it all is part of the seduction.
     Colin FitzRoy was known as The Pretender during the war. He’s an expert in the art of disguise, but even when he takes off the mask, he hides who he really is. Colin pretends he doesn’t have feelings, but when he’s thrust together with his estranged wife, his buried emotions resurface. Before long, Colin is juggling an elderly pug, a wife-hunting Scotsman, and a duplicitous street urchin in an effort to keep Daphne safe. But his greatest challenge is not only to seduce her but to win her heart

Lady Daphne FitzRoy is aware that her husband has returned to London after a seven- year absence. She is not amused that he has not returned home. In fact, Colin FitzRoy has been in England for over a year. Colin’s reluctance to reunite with his wife piqued my interest and drew me into Shana Galen’s new novel.

I adored the characters in this fast-paced story. Shana Galen has a knack for creating strong heroines. Daphne may wear her signature color of pink and her gowns may contain an overabundance of bows but, she’s a strong , determined woman. Her big mistake? She overplayed her hand at a game of cards and owes a small fortune to the wrong person. I admired Daphne for owning her mistake and wanting to be the one to fix it.

Colin’s sobriquet in the Survivor’s group was The Pretender. He had the ability to assume another’s identity and could blend into a crowd. He was devastated after his mother’s death and he learned to keep his feelings to himself. He didn’t want to form an attachment to anyone or fall in love as he might lose them. Colin endeared himself to me when he remembered conversations with his mother and when he took care of Pugsley, his mother’s pug.

Loved how the story unfolded. Colin figures out that Daphne is in serious trouble. He enlists a few of the Survivors to help Daphne. Loved Duncan Murray—such a great character—and his mission? To find a bride. Each scene that contained Duncan was a pleasure to read! The banter between Daphne and Colin was fabulous-I enjoyed their entertaining conversations! The chemistry between the couple was more of a slow burn with a few sparks! Colin was definitely attracted to Daphne but he struggled with their relationship. The balance between intrigue and danger was perfect—this book held my interest and each page reveled something important about the couple’s journey.

How the Lady was Won is part of the author’s Survivors series—but can be read and enjoyed as a stand- alone book. I enjoyed this fast-paced novel, adored the characters and loved Colin and Daphne’s journey.

If you are looking for an entertaining character driven novel—pick up a copy of How the Lady was Won-you will love it!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the author