Susan's Review of You May Kiss the Groomsman by Samantha Chase -Meet Me at the Altar #3

It seemed like a good idea at the time…

When Josie Sullivan agrees to marry her friend Tyler, it’s just so he’ll get a promotion at work. That’s what friends do, right? But what should have been a quick, quiet affair starts to look like the real thing when his family shows up in the middle of the “proposal.” Now, it’s no longer a quick stop at the courthouse during a lunch break, but a full-blown wedding and there’s nothing Josie can do to stop it.

There was no way he could hold his peace…

Daniel Alexander hasn’t been home in years. After fifteen years as a Navy SEAL, he’s more than ready to return to civilian life. Being away for so long, he’s missed a lot of his younger brother’s life and it seems like he’s back just in time to stop him from making the biggest mistake of his life. No matter how he breaks it down, something’s just not adding up about this wedding and he’s determined to figure out why. And he’s not just trying to stop it from happening because he’s finding himself wildly attracted to the bride-to-be.

Or because they can’t stop kissing each other.

Josie had given up on finding her own happily ever after and as her attraction to Daniel keeps growing, she’s suddenly regretting her decision to help out a friend. Now she just needs to decide if she wants to kiss the groom…or the groomsman.

Samantha Chase writes an engaging, heartfelt story for Josie Sullivan and Daniel Alexander. The instant attraction between Josie and Daniel drew me into their story.

Josie Sullivan is an independent, confident businesswoman who can handle any business- related crisis. In the past year, her brother Elliot has married Skye; Josie’s friend and business partner. Skye and Elliot are celebrating the birth of their new born daughter. Lea who owns Meet me at the Altar with Josie and Skye is newly engaged. Samantha Chase crafted this piece of the story perfectly-it was so relatable. Josie was thrilled for Skye and Lea but, at the same time she was realizing that something was missing in her life.

Tyler Alexander and Josie have been friends for years. He is all about himself and his career. Tyler offers Josie a marriage of convenience with a one year commitment—so he can make partner at his law firm. The author does a fabulous job scripting this piece of the story. Tyler knows Josie is feeling left out and he pushes at Josie to accept his offer and then disappears on a work assignment.

Tyler’s older brother, Daniel Alexander has returned home after 15 years in the navy. The former Navy Seal and his partners have started a security business. The instant attraction between Daniel and Josie was HOT. The undeniable chemistry paired with Josie’s commitment to Tyler was perfectly written and I rooted for Josie and Daniel to own their feelings.

You May Kiss the Groomsman is a fun twist on the marriage of convenience storyline. The charming characters, the steamy romance and the family drama kept me engaged in this book. The relationship between Skye, Lea and Josie changes and develops during each novel. Loved that their commitment to each other and their growing business remained strong as they balanced their love and work lives.

Samantha Chase scores a hat trick with the Meet Me at the Altar series! Each novel is filed with engaging characters and heartfelt romance. I love that this series is a little edgier, the romance is more sensuous and the each couple faces different challenges.

Am wondering who will Meet Xander and Knox At The Altar?

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Susan's Review of The Real Mr. Right by Cindy Kirk--Good Hope Series--#16

Free-spirited Oaklee Marshall loves living life on her own terms. She once thought she’d found Mr. Right but realizes now he was oh-so-wrong for her. Free-spirited Oaklee Marshall loves living life on her own terms. She once thought she’d found Mr. Right but realizes now he was oh-so-wrong for her.

Oaklee’s joie de vivre and larger-than-life personality captured Isaak Cochran’s attention from his first day in Good Hope. Having grown up in chaos, tradition and stability are important to him. Still, there’s something about Oaklee he can’t resist.

An impulsive bet to walk in the other’s shoes for a week propels each into an unfamiliar world. Will the experience confirm they are as different as night and day? Or will it put them on the path to true love?

Oaklee Marshall caught my attention when she landed on her brother’s door step in A Match Made in Good Hope. I have been patiently waiting for matchmaker Gladys Berthhof to find Oaklee’s Mr. Right!!

Cindy Kirk writes a very romantic, thought provoking story for Oaklee Marshall and Isaak Cochrane. I was engaged in their journey from the first page of the book – the characters resonated with me. Cindy Kirk has taken Oaklee and immersed her into the Good Hope community. Oaklee is happiest when she is helping others. She runs errands for her friends at the senior center, helps out with community events and assists Gladys, Ruby and Katherine with their matchmaking schemes. Oaklee may not have a traditional job or career path but her enthusiasm and positive attitude bring joy to the Good Hope Community.

A job with Good Hope Outfitters brought Isaak Cochrane to Good Hope. His love for the outdoors; sailing, fishing, snowshoeing and his genuine rapport with customers make this job a perfect fit for him. I loved that Isaak was drawn to the small town feel and traditions of Good Hope something he had in common with Oaklee.

Loved the chemistry between Oaklee and Isaak, their back and forth banter the author’s entertaining twist on the friends to lover’s romance. Oaklee dares Isaak to live the Oaklee life for one week and she’d would reciprocate. Isaak surprised Oaklee because he was open to new experiences while Oaklee’s people skills and positive attitude contributed to the success of Good Hope Outfitters.

Cindy Kirk has hit a grand slam with The Real Mr. Right—it’s a heartwarming, romantic story filled with laughter and drama! I have been waiting for Oaklee’s story for several books—and I absolutely loved each page of this novel! Can’t wait for the next Good Hope book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased via Amazon

Susan's Review of Only For You by Barb Curtis-Sapphire Springs #2

Author Barb Curtis returns to Sapphire Springs with this heartwarming romance where a small-town bakery owner finds herself in a fake relationship with the man she's always pined after.

Will a fake relationship between two friends lead to true love?

After having his heart broken on national television, Tim Fraser knows only one way to stop the gossip about his love life-a new girlfriend. The problem is, he's done with romance forever. A fake relationship with his friend and Sapphire Spring's sweetest baker, Emily Holland, seems the perfect solution to getting rid of his newfound fame, but their fleeting fauxmance is stirring up the kinds of feelings Tim has sworn off for good.

Emily has secretly lusted after Tim for years, but pretending her feelings are all for show never factored into her fantasy. Still, her decades-long crush makes it impossible to say no to Tim's proposal. But with each date, the lines between pretend and reality blur, giving Tim and Emily a tantalizing taste of life outside the friend zone . . . if they can find the courage to give real love a chance.

Barb Curtis writes an engaging friends to lover’s romance for Emily Holland and Tim Fraser. Tim and Emily appeared in this first book in the series- Forever With You – I couldn’t wait to read their story!

Emily Holland has made two New Year’s resolutions. She is reorganizing her life –she’s tossing out her old clothes and shoes. And, she’s determined to kick her secret crush to the curb with the Goodwill bags. Tim Fraser has vowed never to fall in love again after his actress girlfriend dumped him on her reality TV show. Tim is so over the unwanted attention and publicity. His solution? Ask his friend Emily to pretend to be his girlfriend.

Emily’s secret crush combined with Tim’s new found social media fame entertained me from the first page. Emily’s romantic nature, her love for her family and friends and her community spirit appealed to me. Emily’s feelings for Tim resonated with me—it reminded me in a good way of a past friendship. Tim is a complex, flawed character. He believes he disappointed his late father when he left the Navy. Tim serving in the Navy was his Dad’s dream, not his. He also believes that romantic Emily is looking for a perfect Prince Charming. Tim intrigued me—I couldn’t figure out if he was afraid to commit, disappointed in love or afraid to trust his heart—and I love how his story unfolded during the novel.

Loved the sexual chemistry between Emily and Tim and the romantic buildup this story. The fake dating relationship enables the author to push the friendship boundaries… to see what might happen. This plot choice worked perfectly in this novel from their first kiss to the last page—it added drama, tension and emotion throughout the novel. Loved the author’s descriptive voice and the use of imagery throughout the novel. The characters are not perfect, they make mistakes and learn from them. Loved catching up with Layna Jay and Rob and meeting Tim’s Mom and Emily’s Dad who make significant contributions to the storyline. I love the small town feel of this series, the sense of community, the lifelong friendships and the quirky characters.

Emily and Tim’s journey is romantic, emotional and tugs at your heartstrings. I was invested in Tim and Emily’s story from the first page of the book. There were several time I wanted to tell Tim—hey, buddy—OPEN YOUR EYES- your soulmate is right in front of you!!

If you are looking for a small town romance with engaging characters --this is the book for you!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman ARC provided by Forever