Gifts is already the third book in the ‘Killers Series’ by Brynne Asher and takes the reader back to the world of small towns, Alpha’s and sweet womenGifts is already the third book in the ‘Killers Series’ by Brynne Asher and takes the reader back to the world of small towns, Alpha’s and sweet women. This is the story of Asa and Keelie, and their children. I love it.
"Having him here in my space—space that’s been mine and mine alone for almost two years now—is … strange. I’m trying hard not to let it make me nervous, but even more, I’m trying my damnedest not to like it."
Keelie would happily run back to the big city, but she doesn’t want to uproot her young children once again. After the death of her husband she’s left with huge farmhouse and between her work as a school counselor, taking care of her kids and an endless stream of do-it-yourself projects, she doesn’t have time for much else. Like Keelie, Asa is a man who’s focused on his kids. He has missed much of their younger years due to his work, but now he’s making up for the lost time. Keelie and Asa aren’t looking for somebody, but both can’t deny the chemistry between them.
“Never knew I could have it this good,” he breathes against my lips. “Wasn’t looking for anything. Found you on the side of the road, standing in a ditch—then you go and knock me on my ass and I fall in love.”
Since Gifts is the third book in the ‘Killer Series’, we not only meet Keelie and Asa (we’ve seen snippets of him before), but we also see characters from the previous books. The tone of Vines and Paths was lighter than the author’s other series, but Gifts is a bit more serious; no crazy cows or weird antics this time. It’s all about Keelie and Asa falling in love and making it work for them and the four children involved.
I love romance and suspense, and for me Gifts has the right mixture. I love Asa. Above all he’s a good father who’s making a life for himself and his teenagers. He’s also a bit older and knows what he wants and takes care of the people he loves. Poor Keelie, her husband’s actions had a huge impact on her life, so I understand her hesitation towards Asa. They just belong together. An important part of a Brynne Asher book is the ‘villain’, and I had my suspicions as I do every time, but I was wrong! (well, partial). I didn’t see it coming. Bravo Ms. Asher!
“I’m going to marry you.” My fingers tense in his hair and I’m overcome by his words. As my eyes well, I whisper, “You are, are you.” He presses his still hard cock into me. “As soon as I can. And even when you’re wearing my ring, you can ask me not to leave you and my answer will always be the same. Never. Never, baby.”
Gifts is already the third book in the ‘Killers Series’ by Brynne Asher and takes the reader back to the world of small towns, Alpha’s and sweet women. This is the story of Asa and Keelie, and their children. I love it.
"Having him here in my space—space that’s been mine and mine alone for almost two years now—is … strange. I’m trying hard not to let it make me nervous, but even more, I’m trying my damnedest not to like it."
Keelie would happily run back to the big city, but she doesn’t want to uproot her young children once again. After the death of her husband she’s left with huge farmhouse and between her work as a school counselor, taking care of her kids and an endless stream of do-it-yourself projects, she doesn’t have time for much else. Like Keelie, Asa is a man who’s focused on his kids. He has missed much of their younger years due to his work, but now he’s making up for the lost time. Keelie and Asa aren’t looking for somebody, but both can’t deny the chemistry between them.
“Never knew I could have it this good,” he breathes against my lips. “Wasn’t looking for anything. Found you on the side of the road, standing in a ditch—then you go and knock me on my ass and I fall in love.”
Since Gifts is the third book in the ‘Killer Series’, we not only meet Keelie and Asa (we’ve seen snippets of him before), but we also see characters from the previous books. The tone of Vines and Paths was lighter than the author’s other series, but Gifts is a bit more serious; no crazy cows or weird antics this time. It’s all about Keelie and Asa falling in love and making it work for them and the four children involved.
I love romance and suspense, and for me Gifts has the right mixture. I love Asa. Above all he’s a good father who’s making a life for himself and his teenagers. He’s also a bit older and knows what he wants and takes care of the people he loves. Poor Keelie, her husband’s actions had a huge impact on her life, so I understand her hesitation towards Asa. They just belong together. An important part of a Brynne Asher book is the ‘villain’, and I had my suspicions as I do every time, but I was wrong! (well, partial). I didn’t see it coming. Bravo Ms. Asher!
“I’m going to marry you.” My fingers tense in his hair and I’m overcome by his words. As my eyes well, I whisper, “You are, are you.” He presses his still hard cock into me. “As soon as I can. And even when you’re wearing my ring, you can ask me not to leave you and my answer will always be the same. Never. Never, baby.”
A one-night stand, and meeting again 18 years later for a second-chance: this pretty much sums up the story of Naomi and Nathan. But besides our couplA one-night stand, and meeting again 18 years later for a second-chance: this pretty much sums up the story of Naomi and Nathan. But besides our couple getting back together, there is so much more going on in Love in Due Time… I have enjoyed reading this book very much.
When Naomi and Nathan first met, they were young and wild. Nowadays Nathan is still a bit wild (and a responsible dad), but Naomi is living a very quiet, solitary life. Her past has shaped her, making her think a relationship is not for her. In the past, Nathan hasn’t always made the right choices, but now he’s a responsible guy, raising his two girls by himself. Naomi and Nathan both know they have changed a lot over the years, but what hasn’t changed is the chemistry between them.
At first sight, Naomi seems to be a bit odd. A lonely librarian, practicing Wiccan and the center of some town gossip. But as the story progresses, and more about Naomi’s past is revealed, I felt so sorry for her. It also explains so much about her, about her thoughts and actions. Nathan is a single guy, but his main focus are his daughters. I love how Nathan doesn’t give up on Naomi, and that Naomi finally finds the happiness she so much deserves.
Love in Due Time is my first book by this author, and I’ve enjoyed reading it. It has a great leading couple, a whole set of interesting side characters, a bit of suspense, really a bit of everything. It took me a bit to get used to the writing, but once I ‘was in’, I couldn’t put the book down (yes, I finished it in one sitting). This is certainly not my last book by L.D. Dunbar, and I can’t wait for the other books in the series.
I love Naomi and Nathan, and their second-chance at love. I give their story 4 stars.
Damaged, afraid of love, and all business… What happens when a guy like that actually falls in love? With a woman who has similar ‘issues4.5 stars
Damaged, afraid of love, and all business… What happens when a guy like that actually falls in love? With a woman who has similar ‘issues’? Maddox tells the story of Maddox and Dee, who both don’t do love (or so they think). I love this stubborn couple, they both deserve so much more then they think they do.
“To the outside world, we were the same: cool, calm, and collected. Detached. When we came together, alone, things changed. We were relentless. Explosive and insatiable.”
Around the same time as their friends and sister – Bentley & Emmy and Aiden & Cami – fell in love hard and fast, Maddox and Dee started their ‘arrangement’. To the outside world they present themselves as friends, but behind closed doors there’s much more going on. The friendly Maddox loves control, and Dee is a very willing participant to their sensual games (in case you worry, this is not a book about BDSM!). Maddox and Dee are a match made in heaven, but both their pasts damaged them in such a way they’re afraid of feelings, afraid to love. The secret ‘friendship’ works, until Maddox realizes he does love Dee. Let the battle for love begin…
“Dating. Boyfriend. Exclusive. Relationship. Broken down, none of the words frightened me by themselves. Used together, they scared the shit out of me.”
Smart, silver fox, not too muscular; Maddox is really my kind of guy. Maddox grew up with a horrible father, no child has to live like that. I love how he has found his true family with Bentley and Aiden. There are moments I want to shake some sense into him, but luckily, he gets some very good advice from an interesting new character… Dee is the mother hen of her little family, she takes care of her loved ones. She’s happy for little sister Cami, but I so get her sadness about the whole new situation. And on top of that she’s pursued romantically (the horror) by an amazing guy. Maddox and Dee’s road to their Happily Ever After isn’t the easiest one, but of course they get there.
I have to be honest, since the beginning of the ‘Invested Interest Series’, Maddox is the book that intrigued me the most. And yes, it did live up to my expectations. A great couple, sweet moments, sexy moments and an evil (and a bit stupid) villain. Also important, the couples from the previous books; I love the friendships these people have. They might not be family by blood (minus Dee and Cami of course), but they sure act like family. I love Maddox, this story made me swoon and giggle (and sometimes role my eyes a bit).
“You’ve become a romantic, Maddox Duncan Riley,” she teased. “You made me one, Deirdre Anne Wilson. You’ve changed every stupid idea I ever had about love.”
Meeting while investigating the disappearance of two teenage girls? It doesn’t sound ideal, but for some people it works. Unlocking Fear tells the stoMeeting while investigating the disappearance of two teenage girls? It doesn’t sound ideal, but for some people it works. Unlocking Fear tells the story of Noah Kendall and Reese Woodward; he returns home after twelve years of military service, she’s a summer visitor. There’s love and an unsolved missing teens case, I need to know more!
“The light touch of Noah’s hand on her lower back chased away all the stress that had settled in her muscles. It was as if her ears popped after a long flight in midair.”
After twelve years of being a soldier Noah is back in his hometown, and not just to visit. He’s ready to settle down and is going to restore one of the old, empty farms on the outskirts of town. Noah knows it will be a lot of hard work, but he doesn’t mind at all; his own house in his hometown is something he really wants. Seeing Reese is a bit of a distraction he doesn’t need, but spending time with her isn’t that bad.
Reese, a school teacher, hasn’t come to the town of Blyth Lake for just the summer holidays. Eleven years ago, her cousin Sophie has disappeared, and somehow her case seems to be related to the one of Emma, a girl from Blyth Lake who also went missing. Sophie meant a lot to her, and Reese needs to know what happened. She knows she’s only in town for the summer, but she can’t stay away from Noah.
“His blue eyes drifted down to her lips, which she parted involuntarily in anticipation. Her heart raced, and she had to tighten the grip on the mug in her hand to keep from dropping it.”
Unlocking Fear is the first book in the new ‘Keys to Love Series’, and introduces the reader to the Kendall Family and the small town of Blyth Lake. This first book is about Noah and Reese, the other books will follow his siblings. The story is told in third person, from a double POV. While each book is about a different couple, the unsolved case of Sophie and Emma is an important theme throughout the series.
I have to admit; Unlocking Fear was not what I expected. But as soon as I changed my mindset, I was hooked. Not only did I wanted to know what was going to happen between Noah and Reese, but I also needed to know more about those two missing girls. How can they have disappeared without a trace and what was the connection between them? It took a bit of time before things started to heat up between Reese and Noah, but given the circumstances it made it all the more realistic.
“Only one reason matters, Reese Woodward, and that is I love you.” “It took you long enough.”
I know Stylo Fantôme for her stories that are on the raw side; there always happens stuff I’m not totally comfortable with, but I can’t not read it (dI know Stylo Fantôme for her stories that are on the raw side; there always happens stuff I’m not totally comfortable with, but I can’t not read it (does that make sense?). Just a Little Junk is totally different from the author’s other work. Yes, it’s not all easy-peasy, but the story is almost comical with a rough edge. I love it.
“I need your help.” “I’ll change your tire later.” “It’s not a flat tire. Come outside.” I really don’t want to -” “Just come outside.” “Jo, if it’s another dead raccoon, I will make you wear it as a hat.” “JUST FUCKING COME OUTSIDE!”
After a wild night, Jodi is completely shocked to find a dead body in her car. She does remember partying with the guy, but how he ended up in her truck, she has no clue. Instead of going to the police, she goes to Archer for help. Together they a. try to find out what happened, and b. come up with a solution for dead dude. The fact they’re crushing on each other isn’t very helpful.
“She hadn’t realized how close they were to each other and she was startled to see his eyes had taken on a mossy green hue, with brown flecks around his pupils. You have a dead body in your trunk, stop thinking about how hot Archer is.”
Jodi and Archer are good friends and neighbors, but they go way back. Growing up, Archer was best friends with Jodi’s older brother, but since he left to pursue his basketball career, Archer and Jodi got close. Both have a crush on the other, but Jodi thinks Archer doesn’t think of her that way, and Archer has put an ‘off-limits’ sticker on Jodi. But spending so much time together with a dead guy in the trunk of Jodi’s car and all the craziness that follows changes everything.
I love Jodi and Archer. They are young people with crappy jobs doing their thing, living a normal life. But finding dead dude sets of a whole series of events that are not normal. It’s over-the-top, it’s hilarious and it’s like you’re watching some crazy movie, I enjoy it very much. Normally the author’s characters make me a bit uncomfortable with their actions, but Jodi and Archer are almost sweet together. I really like them, and their crazy, fast-paced story.
“You’re in love with me,” she pointed out. He swallowed thickly and nodded. “I did. You said it, too,” he reminded her. She nodded, as well. “I must be in love with you. Completely, stupidly, suicidally in love.”
Just a Little Junk is very Stylo, yet it’s very different. I give this story 4 stars.
Every now and then I love to read a story about an Alpha guy and the woman he falls for. I have my favorite authors for these stories, but I’m always Every now and then I love to read a story about an Alpha guy and the woman he falls for. I have my favorite authors for these stories, but I’m always looking for new ones. Lately, new Alpha stories are a hit or miss for me; it’s a fine line between Alpha and Asshole, and a lot lean more towards the latter. Not cool at all… Devney Perry’s debut book The Coppersmith Farmhouse however is a big hit for me; I love the characters, the small town of Prescott. But most of all, I adore her writing.
“Though it was terrifying to be in a whole new place, it felt amazing to be starting over. Starting an adventure. Replacing the loneliness I had felt in Spokane with excitement. Leaving all of the bad memories from the past behind.”
Gigi is on her way to Prescott, to start a new life for herself and her 4-year-old daughter Roe. Leaving her old town behind is the best thing; after the deaths of her mother and her friend Ben she has nobody left, and she can’t refuse the house Ben left her in his will. Since Gigi’s fling with Roe’s father ended in a complete disaster, she isn’t looking for a man, she’s content with her life and her daughter is her everything. Meeting sheriff Jess confuses her. Yes, the man is handsome, but oh so rude. When his behavior does a 180, she doesn’t know what to think of it.
“Why did he have to be so perfect? Couldn’t he have gotten uglier these last few days? But I wasn’t going to let him fluster me. He was just a hot guy and I needed to keep my cool and get him the hell out of here. Because even though he was hot, he was a complete jerk.”
Jess is born and raised in Prescott, Montana. When his father walked out on his family, Jess became responsible for his sweet but fragile mother and his younger sister Felicity. Luckily, one of the townsmen – Ben – took him under his wings, to teach him the things a man should know growing up. Nowadays Jess is the Prescott sheriff, he likes his job, his town and his life in general. He isn’t seeing anybody, but since he’s an attractive man he has no problem finding a willing partner when he wants to. Jess thinks he knows all about Gigi, but when he sees her in person he realizes his assumptions are wrong.
“Not that I was complaining about the kiss. I’d be okay with one of those every day for the rest of my life. Damn. Why had I let him kiss me? I shouldn’t have let him win the argument. I should have pushed away. I was effing confused.”
To say the first few meetings between Gigi and Jess are not pleasant is a bit of an understatement. Jess assumes Gigi is a ‘gold-digger’ who swindled Ben out of his house, and Gigi is sure Jess is nothing but rude douchebag. It doesn’t take long before Jess realizes his mistake, but a first impression is what sticks… But there is an attraction between them, and Gigi isn’t the person to hold a mean grudge. Slowly they get to know each other, and Jess and Gigi just match. Because of Gigi’s daughter Roe they don’t rush things, but it’s clear they will be together.
I love the story of Jess and Gigi! However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Jess never had a serious relationship in his life and clearly needs to learn how to communicate. Especially with the woman he wants to build a life with. Gigi forgives Jess for his ‘missteps’, but not after explaining loud and clear what he did wrong. She’s no doormat at all, but she chooses her battles. Not everything is worth fighting over. Besides Jess and Gigi’s building relationship there’s a suspense plotline throughout the story. It adds to the story, and doesn’t take away from the main storyline.
“He kissed me. A kiss so long and deep, I forgot all about the bad stuff in life and just remembered the good. Because we had a lot. And we were going to live it good together.”
I adore this book, plain and simple. I give The Coppersmith Farmhouse 5 stars. I can’t wait for the future books by this author.
“I need to cry until my head pounds, so I can feel something—anything—other than the ache that’s burned its way into my very soul.”
Daniel is a con
“I need to cry until my head pounds, so I can feel something—anything—other than the ache that’s burned its way into my very soul.”
Daniel is a content man, he works and lives in rural Montana and he loves it. After his relationship went wrong, he spiraled out of control, which costed him his job and his reputation. Hawthorne Hill Mental Hospital is his chance to start over; to work with the patients and make them better, or at least help them to stay as comfortable as possible. Daniel is very aware falling for a patient is out of the question, but he can’t help himself with Allison.
“Her cheeks are flushed pink from the run down the stairs, and I find myself just looking at her for a couple seconds. I’ve never seen a patient as anything but a patient, but right now, I’m just looking at a pretty woman. A very pretty woman.”
Allison has been silent since she witnessed the murder of her beloved sister. She hasn’t gone crazy, but since she doesn’t speak at all, her family brought her to Hawthorne Hill, hoping for her to get better. Allison keeps to herself at the institution, but slowly she starts to make friends with other patients. The general practitioner – Daniel – is a different story. She feels save with him and she sees him as more than just her doctor.
“I reach for his hand and entwine our fingers. For an instant, he stiffens, but then his hand closes around mine and he brings my hand up to his lips. He brushes his lips over the back of my hand, the gentle scrape of his stubble making me tingle. “I wish we’d met at a different time and place,” he murmurs, closing his eyes.”
For some time, Daniel and Allison are in total denial about their feelings for each other. After all, they are doctor and patient, a relationship is out of the question. Allison trusts Daniel, and even starts speaking with him, just with him. Slowly, the boundaries between the couple start to fade, and it’s inevitable something will happen. Although they don’t meet in a normal situation, Daniel and Allison just match, you feel a connection and I can’t blame them for falling in love.
Come Closer is my very first book by Brenda Rothert, and I like it. Daniel and Allison are very likeable people, and the secondary characters add to the story. I’m not sure I would have hired Daniel as a general practitioner after his breakdown, but hey, this is fiction and in this story it works. Come Closer starts out as a romantic story, but after some big revelations it takes a turn into a more suspenseful direction. Daniel and Allison go through some rough stuff before they can enjoy their happily ever after.
“When she kisses me, her hair brushes my shoulder. She tugs my lower lip between her teeth and I groan, gripping her hips and pulling her down against me. “Did you think I’d stop loving you?” she murmurs. “I can’t stop, Daniel. You’re a part of me now.”
I’ve enjoyed reading Come Closer, and this certainly isn’t my last book by this author. I give the story of Allison and Daniel 4 stars.
In December 2014, I read Challenging Destiny by H.K. Abrahams. It was the author’s debut book, and although it was her The Other Truth ~ 4.5 stars
In December 2014, I read Challenging Destiny by H.K. Abrahams. It was the author’s debut book, and although it was her first book, it was well written with an intriguing storyline. Over time I kept following H.K. Abrahams, unfortunately there was no second book in sight. When I found out this book – The Other Truth – was in the making, and I read the blurb I knew I had to read this book. The Other Truth is very different from the romance books I normally read, but I’ve enjoyed it very much.
“My instinct had never misled me before so it was time to listen to it. I was going to find out what this whole story was about and I wasn’t wasting anymore time. Today was the day.”
Jake Kavinsky is an investigative journalist with the Post and is very good at what he does. Once he has picked a subject or is assigned to one, he digs in and doesn’t stop until he has discovered the whole truth. Besides the fulfillment Jake finds in his work he has some close friends and he reads the occasional book. When one of his friends gives him a book, Jake reads the book and he becomes a bit obsessed with the story. One of the monthly columns in the newspaper gives Jake the opportunity to review the book and to interview the author. When said author presents him file, Jake becomes truly intrigued, not just by the criminal case it contains, but also because of the picture of a beautiful woman.
“I need time to think,” I told her using my best poker face. I didn’t want to get her hopes up. Too much was at stake, I needed to think about it and I needed to do it far from the beautiful eyes roaming over my face, eyes that seemed to be able to see right through me. “I wasn’t expecting less from you Jake.”
When Jake meets Sharon in real-life after having studied her case meticulously and spoken with some of the players involved he finally sees who he is doing it for. A beautiful, tired woman who’s paying a price she shouldn’t be paying. Wrong choices during her teenage years and an aggressive DA have led to her imprisonment, a place where she doesn’t belong. While working together to find out the truth Jake is starting to realize Sharon means a lot to him, that he even loves her. Getting her out of prison and to clear her name is all that matters now.
As I already said, The Other Truth is not like the books I normally read. While those books center around the developing relationship of a couple, this books is different. Yes, there is a couple in the form of Jake and Sharon, but this story is much more about finding out what truly happened with Sharon. Bit by bit Jake uncovers pieces of the truth, leading him to the people who can give real answers.
It wasn’t until the end of the story that I realized how different this book was, it didn’t contain a single sex-scene. And to be honest, I didn’t even miss it. The author has written a captivating storyline with very realistic and likeable characters. I like the small cameo appearance of the main characters of Challenging Destiny, to see that they are still happily in love. The ending of the book is fitting for the story; Jake and Sharon know how they feel about each other but their story is yet untold.
“He held me tight, his left hand at my waist, his right one cradling my head. I circled him with my arms and held him tight too, my head relaxing on his strong chest. I breathed him in and he put his face in my neck. At that moment, I felt safe, free, loved.”
I loved reading The Other Truth, I give the unusual story of Jake and Sharon 4.5 stars.
Out of Love is the newest book by RC Boldt. Like other books by this author it contains a great leading couple and a group ofOut of Love ~ 4 stars
Out of Love is the newest book by RC Boldt. Like other books by this author it contains a great leading couple and a group of friends and family as secondary characters. Out of Love tells the story of Foster Kavanaugh, who we’ve met briefly in ‘the Teach Me series’ by the same author. This book can be read as a standalone, but I’m glad I have some background information since I read the other series not so long ago.
“I think about her. I think about Noelle Davis and what it would be like if I were that guy. If I were good enough for her. If I didn’t have a past haunting me.”
Foster Kavanaugh is a former SEAL who now owns his own security firm. On his payroll are all former military guys who share his believes and ethics. Foster has seen a lot throughout his military years, things that can alter a man for good. Since he doesn’t do love and commitment, Foster spends his nights with hookups when he feels the need. But lately Foster can’t stop thinking about a certain woman, his office manager Noelle. He knows he’s no good for her (or so he believes) but he can’t stay away.
“I know the facts: 1. Noelle is off limits as my employee. 2. You never shit where you eat. 3. Noelle is worth her weight in gold since she helps run our office more smoothly than it ever has.”
Noelle Davis has started over. After her last boyfriend turned out to be a sociopath she moved away with the help of the few friends she had left. She enjoys working for Foster and the banter between them, but Noelle starts to see Foster as more, more than just her boss. And that is something she doesn’t want since she knows all about his way with the ladies and don’t forget.. He’s her boss.. But when her past catches up with Noelle, Foster is the first one she calls.
“Facts I need to remember about Foster: 1. He is a manwhore. 2. I work for him. 3. I need my job. 4. He’s super hot. 5. His chest is beautiful. 6. Wait. Where was I going with this? Shit. 7. No. Foster is a big NO. No, no, no, noooooo.”
Foster and Noelle spend a lot of time together: they work closely to each other at the office and in the out of the office they share the same friends. When Noelle started working for Foster, he quickly found out she isn’t easily insulted and isn’t afraid of calling him out. And that’s how they fill their days; with friendly insults, funny banter and hard work. Foster and Noelle are attracted to each other, but don’t act on it.
All changes when a ghost from Noelle past comes knocking on her door. Foster’s protective side takes over and Noelle doesn’t even get the chance to say no. Slowly, Foster and Noelle begin a ‘relationship’, but especially Foster has a hard time wrapping his head around the idea he is what Noelle needs. This is a romance book so of course the couple sees the light and ends up together.
While Out of Love starts as a funny, easy read, it becomes more serious when Noelle’s past catches up with her. I was a bit upset with her for not telling Foster sooner what was going on; she knows she can trust him and security is his livelihood… Foster was a bit frustrating as well, it takes him a long time before he can admit he loves Noelle and that he deserves love, despite his past. At the moment, Out of Love is a standalone book, but the author has left some story lines open. I hope they will result in future books.
“Hey,” I whisper softly. “I love you.” “For real?” she whispers in return. “For real.” The brightness of her smile does something to me and I don’t think there’s anything I wouldn’t do to ensure that smile stays in place.”
I’ve enjoyed reading Out of Love, I give the story of Noelle and Foster 4 stars.
C.P. Smith is my go-to author for insta-love stories; rugged Alpha men falling for feisty, sweet women and some interesting side-characters and situatC.P. Smith is my go-to author for insta-love stories; rugged Alpha men falling for feisty, sweet women and some interesting side-characters and situations. Wallflowers: Three of a Kind is no exception. Although the love feels a little less insta then I’m used to from this author, the story of Cali and Devin lived up to my expectations.
“I knew if I wanted a life outside my books, a life that also included a man like the one currently shirtless in my aunts’ back garden, I, too, would have to break down the walls I’d hidden behind so I could grow from the rubble of my past… To bloom. Just like those wallflowers.”
After the parents of Calla Lily (Cali) have died in an accident, she went to live with her grandparents. Instead of consoling the grieving little girl, her grandparents didn’t treat her with the love and kindness she so much needs. When Cali is shipped off to her aunts she finally finds the environment she needs; supportive and loving adults. But her childhood has left a huge mark on Cali; although she has tried relationships, she keeps everybody at a safe distance. New neighbor Devin is something else, somebody Cali wants to get to know.
“Calla, the heart wants what it wants. Don’t limit yourself because you’re scared,” Eunice said. “Take a chance on the man; you might just find he’s what you’ve been waitin’ for. He might be perfect for you. And, butterbean, if anyone deserves to be happy, it’s you.”
Devin is a former homicide detective who moved to Savannah, to set up his own private investigator business. He loved his job, but he was done with bad guys getting away because procedures had to be followed. As his own boss Devin isn’t tied to those rules and regulations. He isn’t in the market for a serious relationship, but Devin feels himself drawn to Cali, even though she doesn’t seem interested.
“She was perfect for him, and he was exactly what she needed. No, he wouldn’t let her stop him, because where he came from, when you saw something you wanted, you went after it. And he’d wanted Calla Armstrong from the moment he laid eyes on her in the shop window.”
Assumptions keep Devin and Cali away from each other for a short while; each thinks the other is already has a love interest. Nevertheless, they meet the other one everywhere, and as soon as they know both are free, the hunt is on. Well, that’s Devin. Cali feels the spark between them, but her past has taught her to be careful, to keep her emotions behind her walls. Besides that, she’s too busy with her newfound friends Sienna and Poppy, the other Wallflowers. But since this is a CP Smith book, love and feelings aren’t far away. Devin and Cali fall hard and deep, I love them together.
Wallflowers: Three of a Kind is not just the story of Cali and Devin. Yes, they meet and fall in love in record time, but there’s so much more going on. Missing persons, murderous types, and plain nasty family members are coming along. Since this is the start of a new series (yes, the remaining two wallflowers get their own book!), hints are given for the future stories. Normally, all of this would make a book feel too crowded in my opinion, but C.P. Smith has written this story is such a way it doesn’t. It’s a story about love, mixed with new friendships, suspense, family and sunny Savannah.
“Then what’s my job?” “To love me.” Her lips began to tremble, and it took sheer strength of will not to reach out and crush her to him. But he continued instead. “To crave my touch, to trust me with your whole heart. To fix me when I need fixin’, to lay your troubles on my shoulders so you don’t have to carry them. To need me more than air. To just fuckin’ love me.” “That’s it?”
I’ve enjoyed reading the story of Devin and Cali, I give Wallflowers: Three of a Kind 4 stars. I can’t wait for the next book, Wallflowers: Double Trouble.
Marieke ~ Marieke's Books
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Books:
suspense
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