Susan's Review of Remember Me In Good Hope by Cindy Kirk---Good Hope Series #18

The mind may forget, but the heart always remembers…

Natalia Costa doesn’t know what caused her car to careen off Lake Shore Drive. The crash didn’t take her life, but it did take her job, her home, and three months of her memory. When a picture of a handsome stranger sparks a familiar feeling, Natalia is certain this mystery man can help her fill in the blanks.

Luther Gannon likes being a loner, even if his Good Hope neighbors don’t. Experience has taught him that getting close to people often ends in heartbreak. While it’s nearly impossible to live privately in the close-knit community, Luther has managed to keep his painful past out of the public eye--until Natalia Costa turns up in the town square.

Luther never dreamed he would see Natalia again, not after the way their short-lived relationship had ended. He can’t ignore her plea for help or his desire for a second chance with Natalia. But even if Luther can help her remember their past, how will he explain the one night he has been trying to forget?

Natalia Costa awakens after a three- day coma to find her life has gone sideways. She is recovering from a serious car accident; her car skidded off the road and hit a tree. She’s lost three months of her life—and she has no recollection of why she was driving on Lakeshore Road. A photograph taken of Natalia and Luther Gannon is her only clue to her past.

Cindy Kirk writes a compelling story for Natalia and Luther. The attraction between the couple sizzles and the slow burn romance unfolded perfectly. Natalia’s desire to regain her memory and to understand why she and Luther ended their relationship drives the storyline. Natalia is an intelligent, career driven personality—she has no family or friends as work consumed her. She’s at a cross roads—she’s lost three months of time, her job and her home—and she’s frightened. Luther Gannon has relocated to from Detroit to Good Hope to expand his family’s business holdings. Luther is a dynamic character-his compassion and desire to help Natalia combined with his strong work ethic captivated me.

The author provides both Luther and Natalia a do-over. Loved that the couple became immersed in the Good Hope community and realized the importance of friendships and community. Cindy Kirk creates appealing, complex characters—each one plays an important role in the Good Hope community. Loved catching up with Izzie, Theo, Ruby, Katherine and Gladys. As Natalia remembers bits and pieces of her memory, she tries to reconcile her past with her present, while Luther realizes that he can also make different choices.

I loved the pairing of this couple – their romance and the heartfelt, emotional conversations—it worked for me. The elements of danger and suspense incorporated into the well-paced storyline added to my enjoyment of the novel.

Remember Me In Good Hope is the perfect beach read—pick up a copy and enjoy your visit to Good Hope!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Review of How Much I Want by Marie Force--Miami Nights #4

I put my hands on her hips and bring her in close to me, kissing the top of her head and breathing in the distinctive scent of her hair, the scent of my love. “I’m focusing on the most important thing here, and you calling me your boyfriend is a big deal. You want to know why?”
“Um, sure. Why is that?”

“Because I’ve never had a girlfriend before.”
“That’s not true. You’ve had all the girlfriends.”
“There have been girls, yes, and women, yes. But never one I would call an official girlfriend until now."
“You’re thirty-two years old, Nico.”
“I’m aware.”
“It’s weird that you’ve never had a girlfriend before.”
“I never wanted one before I met you. Now that’s all I want, but only if it’s you, of course.”
The withering look she gives me is the one women have been giving men since the beginning of time, and I love it. I love her, and I need her to know that again. Right now. Leaning even closer to her, I whisper in her ear, “You’re the only one I’ve ever loved.”
“Nico,” she says on a long exhale. “How do you do this to me?”
“What am I doing?”
“You know!”

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Nico Giordino 's reputation precedes him. Simply put—he’s a player. His sisters and cousins describe him as toxic. Relationships are not his thing. I had a hard time envisioning Nico maintaining a relationship with Sofia. Marie Force has created a dynamic and fascinating character that at first I did not consider to be hero worthy. Nico’s love for his family, his love for Sofia and his need to protect Mateo won me over.
I admired Sofia Diaz. Loved her strength and her determination to provide a better life for herself and her young son. Sofia is resilient –she left her abusive ex-husband, is caring for her son who is recovering from a long term illness and is working to support her son. The Giordino family has taken her under their wing—she is grateful for their love and support. Her ex-husband does not approve of Sofia’s new life and new family—this causes tension between them.
Nico realized that Sofia was special and he understands that he needs to show her he cares about her and Mateo. Loved the back and forth banter between Nico and his cousin Dom about Nico’s feelings towards Sofia. Loved the friendship and sizzling chemistry between Nico and Sofia. With each chapter, Marie Force builds upon the couple’s relationship – Nico consistently steps up for Sofia and she in turn learns to trust him. Loved that both characters were dynamic— Nico learns to truly care for someone while Sofia grabs a chance for love and happiness for herself and her son.
Loved the elements of suspense and danger that are woven into the fast paced storyline. This plot choice sets How Much I Want apart from the other books in this series – it held my interest and I read the book in one sitting. There is plenty of romance and laughter in this story as several of my favorite characters appeared throughout the novel.
How Much I Want has all of the story elements that I adore—intrigue, romance and complex family relationships. I highly recommend this novel!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC from the publisher

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Fatal, First Family, Gansett Island, Butler Vermont, Quantum, Treading Water, Miami Nights and Wild Widows.
Her books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Spiegel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie's mailing list for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook and on Instagram. Join one of Marie's many reader groups. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.
 

 

Join Marie's mailing list for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook and on Instagram. Join one of Marie's many reader groups. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com. 

 

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Susan's Review of Groomed To Perfection by Samantha Chase----Meet Me at the Altar #5

Ready to head back to the Meet Me at the Altar office and see who's falling in love and heading for their own happily ever after?

In just one night, she stole his jacket...and his heart.

Shy baker Emilie Michaels never thought she'd meet her Prince Charming. Especially no at an event she's working at. But when a handsome stranger finds her hiding in a corner and strikes up a conversation, she can't help but be drawn in. Unfortunately, duty calls and she's forced to flee, leaving the man of her dreams behind. All she has to remember that night night is his first name and the suit jacket he gave her to stay warm.

Family has always come first for the Vandergrifts. It doesn't matter what Cooper might want out of his life, his parents have had a plan for him since the day he was born. His mother even has his wedding all planned out, despite the fact that there's no bride in the picture. But when Cooper walks into the Meet Me at the Altar offices for a cake tasting and finds himself face to face with the woman he met at a party all those months ago, he thinks it might be time to finally have a say in his love life.
Cooper had resigned himself to a life that would be all about family obligations, but just a few hours with Emilie have him convinced that maybe he could be something else. It's just a matter of deciding whose happiness matters more: his family's or his own.

Fairy lights and a liberal dash of pixie dust create the perfect backdrop for Emilie Michels and Cooper Vandergrift romance. They meet at a society wedding – he’s a guest and she’s part of the catering crew. Cooper asks Emilie to stay and the couple talk for hours without revealing why they are at the wedding. The couple share a magical kiss before Emilie leaves with Cooper’s coat.

Samantha Chase’s Cinderella inspired novel Groomed to Perfection is filled with captivating characters, family drama and a classic Disney inspired romance. As the oldest son, Cooper Vandergrift is expected to take over the family business. Although he enjoys designing and building, he’s being pushed into a career and a life that does not appeal to him by is overbearing mother. Samantha Chase creates a wonderful hero in Cooper. I loved his easy going nature and cheered for him when he realized that he had to step up in order to claim his future.

Emilie has been one of my favorite characters in the series—she is a loyal friend to her business partners and always has a tub of frosting or a plate of cookies in times of stress. Emilie is hard working and family oriented-she takes care of her grandmother before heading into work. Enjoyed getting to know her parents and her grandmother—the best Samantha Chase character ever—she was a hoot!

Loved that Emile and Cooper supported each other. Both characters had dreams—Cooper wanted to work in the design department. Emilie wants to open a bakery at the Meet Me at the Altar offices. Loved the couples chemistry and Cooper’s relationship with Emilie’s grandmother was perfect—so sweet! Samantha Chase writes a heartfelt romance for this couple who realize family is more important than social standing, you can choose your future and a dream is a wish your heart makes!

I enjoyed every word of Groomed to Perfection and I know you will too!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon

Five Fun Facts About: GROOMED TO PERFECTION from Samantha Chase


1) There was a scene in the movie "Sabrina" where she was hiding in a tree and watching a society party on the property. That was partial inspiration for Cooper and Emilie's meet cute.

2) Another movie that inspired part of the book was "And Officer and a Gentleman". I may have watched that ending scene about a dozen times!

3) I wrote part of the book while staying at a hotel for the weekend for a mini-writing-retreat. It had a great view of downtown Raleigh and it made me write a scene where Cooper and Emilie are dining at a restaurant with a similar view.

4) I tend to go on sites like Zillow for inspiration for where my characters live. Cooper comes from a wealthy family and I had a hella good time looking up places for him! It's a huge time suck, but oh so satisfying!

5) There is a bit of a Cinderella theme to this book but I didn't want to be obvious with it. So instead of her leaving a shoe behind, she takes his jacket! Lol!

**BONUS FACT: I tell people this book is a cross between Cinderella and the original TV show, Dynasty. For those of you around my age, you may remember the version with Joan Collins, Linda Evans, and John Forsythe. Trust me when I tell you we have a VERY Dynasty-ish scene in this book!**