Susan's Review of A Little Bit Wicked by Melissa Foster

At first, I wasn’t sure how an opposites attract romance for Chloe Mallery and Justin Wicked would work. Chloe is the epitome of the perfectly dressed, perfectly organized, perfectly polished professional while Justin is a tattooed sculptor who rides a motorcycle. Melissa Foster’s voice shines in this novel which captivated me from the very first page.
A Little Bit Wicked is a character driven novel. Although Chloe is attracted to Justin and they are friends-she has decided he’s not her type. She’s looking for a clean cut, button down shirt, khaki wearing guy—the total opposite from Justin. I loved it when Justin observed Chloe and her date and took an opportunity to end it. He knew he wanted more than friendship and gave Chloe the space and time to get to know him.

Family is at the center of this novel .Chloe and her sister had a tough childhood; there mother was more interested in herself than her daughters. Chloe stepped up and help to raise her sister and made sure to celebrate every milestone with her. Chloe and Serena are very close—loved the honest sister conversations. Justin was raised by the Reba and Preacher Wicked who taught Justin the values of respect, honesty and love and importance of family.

Melissa Foster writes an amazing story for Chloe and Justin. It truly has all the feels. It’s emotional, heartfelt, sexy and romantic. Loved it when Justin visited Chloe late one night to finish their dance. It was perfectly written and so very romantic. I really wanted Chloe to see past Justin’s bad boy image and see him for herself. She needed to stop thinking and follow her heart. Loved that Chloe understood the importance of Justin’s art – his creative side was a huge piece of his character. Loved that the author included an important office politics thread and the themes of family and friendship throughout the novel.

Can Justin convince Chloe that he’s her happily ever after? Pick up a copy of A Little Bit Wicked and find out.


Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the author.

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Susan's Review of Love Lessons in Good hope by Cindy Kirk

Charlotte McCray has been on her own a very long time. She knows what she wants and she wants her new partnership with Marigold Rallis to succeed. Which means work has to be her focus.

Organic farmer, Adam Vogele, is not the kind of man who normally would catch her eye. But his easy smile, strong arms and sizzling good looks prove impossible to resist. It was an amazing night that left Charlotte breathless…and pregnant.

Adam spent his childhood without a father and is determined to put everything on the line for his child, and his child’s mother. As they learn more about each other, Charlotte battles falling in love with a man and a lifestyle not in her plans.

When an old flame shows up with an intriguing offer, Charlotte must decide whether to return to the fast-paced life she left behind, or embrace this new chapter she’s writing in Good Hope.

Gladys Bertholf is the matriarch of Good Hope and is the town’s matchmaker and she’s determined to find a match for Charlotte McCray. At first, I wasn’t too sure about Adam Vogele, Gladys’ choice for Charlotte. I wondered if a career oriented city girl find love with an unpretentious farmer. Cindy Kirk surprised me with a fabulous, heart felt story for this couple.

Charlotte McCray is at a crossroads both personally and professionally. An exciting business opportunity motivated Charlotte to return to Good Hope. Charlotte and Marigold Rallis have formed a partnership. They are opening a salon and day spa in Good Hope. Charlotte is conflicted; she wants her new business to succeed but longs for a child of her own.

At first glance, Adam Vogele and Charlotte appear to be total opposites. Adam and his father own an organic farm. A well-respected member of the Good Hope community, Adam is unpretentious, passionate about organic farming and enjoys a warm relationship with his father.

Adam and Charlotte share a passionate Fourth of July and conceive a child. The conflict between Charlotte and Adam was spot on. Charlotte wanted to raise the baby by herself while Adam wants to be his child’s father. Both characters had very different childhoods and these experiences shaped their opinions. Charlotte’s parents divorced and had second families—she was an outsider. Although Adam was raised by his step father Stan, he never knew his biological father.

Adam’s father Stan was one of my favorite characters in this story. He has known a great love and he encourages Adam to put family first and explore his own feelings for Charlotte. I adored Adam because he put his unborn child first; he wants his child to know that he is loved by both parents. And Adam truly understood that Charlotte’s past experiences made it hard for her to trust anyone. He gave Charlotte space and time to sort through her feelings.

Love Lessons in Good Hope has all the feels. Cindy Kirk blends the importance of family and friendship in this emotional story. At first glance, Charlotte and Adam may appear to be very different people. Loved the couple’s honest conversations as their relationship changed. Fin Rakes and Charlotte have an important talk about friendship. Charlotte realizes that she needs to let people in—to share her feelings—and this changes her attitude towards Adam and Good Hope. She realizes she wants her child, a family and friends. I loved that Charlotte realized that friendship and family could not be taken for granted—an important love lesson¬-¬--and Adam was the one who held her heart.

If you are looking for a feel good read that’s about love, friendship and babies—then Love Lessons in Good Hope is the perfect book for you!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Read Susan's Review of Baby Dreams in Good Hope HERE!

I Dared The Duke by Anna Bennett

I Dared The Duke

by Anna Bennett

★★★★★

Anna Bennett is a new author read for me.

A reading group that I follow was having a

special event. Anna Bennett was the 

featured author. 

I found that my library had a few of her

stories. I am not particular about reading 

a series in order. I Dared The Duke was 

available right away. Even though it was 

the middle book in the Wayward Wallflowers

series, I chose it. 

I thoroughly enjoyed it. You never know with

a new writer. But it was a fun and busy story.

I had not pegged who the bad guy was 
before the end.Which I love!! 
There was more romantic, family

and getting to know each other than crisis

reading. Which I love!! And the grumpy, 

lonely Duke of Blackshire falls in love with

Miss Elizabeth Lacey before he can blink. 

Which I love!! I guess you may be getting the

idea that I loved this book. 

The most fun part is that I won a book 

from Anna Bennett during that evenings

event! Not only did I just get a book in 

the mail from her but a very nicely 

wrapped book with some swag! I have

not read the won book yet. But I am glad

to have it. I can certainly recommend

I Dared The Duke. 

I borrowed this copy from the library.

Review by Lisa Hutson