Disapproval. Zoe knew that look. She’d divorced the man she’d thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with— a man who’d clFavorite Quotes:
Disapproval. Zoe knew that look. She’d divorced the man she’d thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with— a man who’d claimed to love and cherish her— because of that look, so she wasn’t about to accept it from a total stranger. Arching one eyebrow, she gave him her best bitch face. And not the resting kind, either. Hers was a fully active bitch face.
“Just... be neighborly.” “Oh, should I run home and bake him a pie first?” “I’ve had your pie and I’m going to vote no.”
My Review:
This was my first experience reading Shannon Stacey and I’m not sure what took so long for her to ping my radar, as she seems to have been quite busy with a veritable library of books listed under her name. I plan to make amends to the talented Ms. Stacey for my slacking as I enjoyed her easy-breezy writing style, snarky humor, and wily wit. I picked a nice place to start with this light, small-town, holiday romance with opposite attraction. The characters were endearingly quirky and likable while the story held my interest, was easy to follow, and developed at a good pace with tasty bites of steam, levity, and a sweet HEA for all involved.
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
Disapproval. Zoe knew that look. She’d divorced the man she’d thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with— a man who’d claimed to love and cherish her— because of that look, so she wasn’t about to accept it from a total stranger. Arching one eyebrow, she gave him her best bitch face. And not the resting kind, either. Hers was a fully active bitch face.
“Just... be neighborly.” “Oh, should I run home and bake him a pie first?” “I’ve had your pie and I’m going to vote no.”
My Review:
This was my first experience reading Shannon Stacey and I’m not sure what took so long for her to ping my radar, as she seems to have been quite busy with a veritable library of books listed under her name. I plan to make amends to the talented Ms. Stacey for my slacking as I enjoyed her easy-breezy writing style, snarky humor, and wily wit. I picked a nice place to start with this light, small-town, holiday romance with opposite attraction. The characters were endearingly quirky and likable while the story held my interest, was easy to follow, and developed at a good pace with tasty bites of steam, levity, and a sweet HEA for all involved....more
Graham says the trick of wine tastings is to sip and spit. But I never spit because spitting is disgusting and wine is delicious. Who Favorite Quotes:
Graham says the trick of wine tastings is to sip and spit. But I never spit because spitting is disgusting and wine is delicious. Who (besides Graham, and his wine-loving friends) is ever going to spit out something so lovely? Not me.
He likes to go camping on weekends. I make sure to tell him I have to work. I don’t understand camping. It’s organized inconvenience.
Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been on a date? I’m half-Hoosier, half-Japanese. The only guys who ask me out here are the ones with fetishes. And not the sexy kind.
My Review:
The Boy is Back was a clever and amusing story told mainly through texts and emails between stressed family members while dealing with their elderly parents, as well as with their friends and co-workers. Poor Marshall was always at war with the autocorrect function on his phone, which much to his consternation would repeat the same over correction each time he attempted to express himself. There also highly humorous, rambling, and tangential review and sales ads placed by two of the more unusual family members that revealed more personal information about the family than the items they were attempting to sell or review online. And, as a reviewer, I couldn’t help noticing that the more bizarre and off topic the reviews and item descriptions were, the more helpful votes the reviews received – smirk.
As the story unraveled, it quickly became clear that the family dynamic was a comical train wreck. Although the underlying plot of dealing with eccentric and elderly family members would seem a challenging topic and the level of dysfunction throughout this family was serious - the writing remained highly amusing and always entertaining. My favorite aspect was the cute and witty banter between the returning son and his old high school sweetheart, whom he had left behind ten years prior. The writing was insightful, clever, humorous, crisp, and well-paced. I kept a near-constant smirk on my face and remained engaged with the story from the first page to the sweet and satisfying conclusion.
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
Graham says the trick of wine tastings is to sip and spit. But I never spit because spitting is disgusting and wine is delicious. Who (besides Graham, and his wine-loving friends) is ever going to spit out something so lovely? Not me.
He likes to go camping on weekends. I make sure to tell him I have to work. I don’t understand camping. It’s organized inconvenience.
Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been on a date? I’m half-Hoosier, half-Japanese. The only guys who ask me out here are the ones with fetishes. And not the sexy kind.
My Review:
The Boy is Back was a clever and amusing story told mainly through texts and emails between stressed family members while dealing with their elderly parents, as well as with their friends and co-workers. Poor Marshall was always at war with the autocorrect function on his phone, which much to his consternation would repeat the same over correction each time he attempted to express himself. There also highly humorous, rambling, and tangential review and sales ads placed by two of the more unusual family members that revealed more personal information about the family than the items they were attempting to sell or review online. And, as a reviewer, I couldn’t help noticing that the more bizarre and off topic the reviews and item descriptions were, the more helpful votes the reviews received – smirk.
As the story unraveled, it quickly became clear that the family dynamic was a comical train wreck. Although the underlying plot of dealing with eccentric and elderly family members would seem a challenging topic and the level of dysfunction throughout this family was serious - the writing remained highly amusing and always entertaining. My favorite aspect was the cute and witty banter between the returning son and his old high school sweetheart, whom he had left behind ten years prior. The writing was insightful, clever, humorous, crisp, and well-paced. I kept a near-constant smirk on my face and remained engaged with the story from the first page to the sweet and satisfying conclusion....more
… any woman who doesn’t want you when you’re a little banged up, doesn’t deserve you when you’re at your best.
Everyone haMy Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
… any woman who doesn’t want you when you’re a little banged up, doesn’t deserve you when you’re at your best.
Everyone has scars… They just mean you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.
Thank God you’re not one of those guys who wears skinny jeans… You know what I mean. The pants that are so tight you can tell what religion the guy is.
Rock judges people based on a number of things and skin color has never been one of them. He dislikes everyone equally.
What are you trying to tell me? You’ll look back and remember me as the one who put the snap back in your turtle?
My Review:
While reading the latest addition to the Lost Kings series, I was smirking, gasping, and fanning myself through some highly erotic sensual scenes and enjoying the irreverent humor, salacious banter, family drama, and a ton of naughty fun - all sandwiched into an engaging storyline. The Lost Kings are an unusual MC in how they treat each other and their women, although they are still proud alphas, loud, boisterous, and able to handle their business. I was rolling right along and enjoying this smokin’ hawt and lascivious MC romance packed with lewd and dirty talking yet sweet and quirky alpha men and their feisty women, when it came to a tense spot and then, just stopped. NO!
I am stamping my little foot, foaming at the mouth, spewing invectives and turning the air around me blue – grrr! I was totally unprepared for an incomplete story… I must have closure! A pox on you Autumn Jones Lake for so thoroughly hooking me like a big mouth bass and reeling me in, only to hold me dangling over a cliff for another month for part two as I must know how it resolves. But, no question about it, I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment to hit my kindle. I have never worn a cut and would give anyone a crack to the head if they called me a muffler bunny, but I am most certainly a LOKI wannabe and Autumn Jones Lake fangirl. But for now, I am off to purchase voodoo doll supplies that resemble a certain author, as well as some extra sharp pins!
Merged review:
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
… any woman who doesn’t want you when you’re a little banged up, doesn’t deserve you when you’re at your best.
Everyone has scars… They just mean you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.
Thank God you’re not one of those guys who wears skinny jeans… You know what I mean. The pants that are so tight you can tell what religion the guy is.
Rock judges people based on a number of things and skin color has never been one of them. He dislikes everyone equally.
What are you trying to tell me? You’ll look back and remember me as the one who put the snap back in your turtle?
My Review:
While reading the latest addition to the Lost Kings series, I was smirking, gasping, and fanning myself through some highly erotic sensual scenes and enjoying the irreverent humor, salacious banter, family drama, and a ton of naughty fun - all sandwiched into an engaging storyline. The Lost Kings are an unusual MC in how they treat each other and their women, although they are still proud alphas, loud, boisterous, and able to handle their business. I was rolling right along and enjoying this smokin’ hawt and lascivious MC romance packed with lewd and dirty talking yet sweet and quirky alpha men and their feisty women, when it came to a tense spot and then, just stopped. NO!
I am stamping my little foot, foaming at the mouth, spewing invectives and turning the air around me blue – grrr! I was totally unprepared for an incomplete story… I must have closure! A pox on you Autumn Jones Lake for so thoroughly hooking me like a big mouth bass and reeling me in, only to hold me dangling over a cliff for another month for part two as I must know how it resolves. But, no question about it, I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment to hit my kindle. I have never worn a cut and would give anyone a crack to the head if they called me a muffler bunny, but I am most certainly a LOKI wannabe and Autumn Jones Lake fangirl. But for now, I am off to purchase voodoo doll supplies that resemble a certain author, as well as some extra sharp pins!...more
… a slow smile spread across his lips, and poof, there went her hormones, exploding for him all over again.
Her parents never gave up oFavorite Quotes:
… a slow smile spread across his lips, and poof, there went her hormones, exploding for him all over again.
Her parents never gave up on a miracle, but at some point over the years, I realized we were just watching her die. Years and years of watching her die.
… small town and all. If he was spotted buying condoms, half the population of Towering Pines would know about it in no time.
My Review:
This was a quick and pleasantly satisfying tale featuring two endearing and resilient main characters who were survivors of tragic events. As a teenaged groom, Jake could do little more than watch as his new bride slipped into a coma then lingered for nine long years. Megan remained self-conscious and insecure after surviving a car accident that had resulted in life-long scarring. Their blossoming relationship provided a sweet, tender, and heartwarmingly gratifying story as they supported each other through new careers and transitions. It was also delectably sensual as the young widower was a quick study and eager to please. Snap!
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
… a slow smile spread across his lips, and poof, there went her hormones, exploding for him all over again.
Her parents never gave up on a miracle, but at some point over the years, I realized we were just watching her die. Years and years of watching her die.
… small town and all. If he was spotted buying condoms, half the population of Towering Pines would know about it in no time.
My Review:
This was a quick and pleasantly satisfying tale featuring two endearing and resilient main characters who were survivors of tragic events. As a teenaged groom, Jake could do little more than watch as his new bride slipped into a coma then lingered for nine long years. Megan remained self-conscious and insecure after surviving a car accident that had resulted in life-long scarring. Their blossoming relationship provided a sweet, tender, and heartwarmingly gratifying story as they supported each other through new careers and transitions. It was also delectably sensual as the young widower was a quick study and eager to please. Snap!...more
I don’t hate your guts. I’m just not very fond of them.
My Review:
This saucy little second chance tale was short and sweet and a petite Favorite Quote:
I don’t hate your guts. I’m just not very fond of them.
My Review:
This saucy little second chance tale was short and sweet and a petite side story to accompany the other installments in this engaging series featuring the Sawyer family. Jillian and Gabe shared an embarrassing episode in their teens when fifteen-year-old bookworm Jillian had thrown herself at Gabe, her first crush and best friend’s older brother. He had also feelings for her at the time but didn’t feel it appropriate, and his rejection had humiliated and continued to sting years later. Nothing like being cold, wet, and in need of shared body heat while stranded together in a storm to work out those pesky issues.
Merged review:
Favorite Quote:
I don’t hate your guts. I’m just not very fond of them.
My Review:
This saucy little second chance tale was short and sweet and a petite side story to accompany the other installments in this engaging series featuring the Sawyer family. Jillian and Gabe shared an embarrassing episode in their teens when fifteen-year-old bookworm Jillian had thrown herself at Gabe, her first crush and best friend’s older brother. He had also feelings for her at the time but didn’t feel it appropriate, and his rejection had humiliated and continued to sting years later. Nothing like being cold, wet, and in need of shared body heat while stranded together in a storm to work out those pesky issues....more
… she searched his eyes. They ignited with a whoosh under her scrutiny, like a BBQ grill. In a moment they were blazing copper.
‘Jack?’Favorite Quotes:
… she searched his eyes. They ignited with a whoosh under her scrutiny, like a BBQ grill. In a moment they were blazing copper.
‘Jack?’ she breathed his name into the fog, and she saw the letters of his name in silver mist swirl from her mouth repeating as it dispersed, until the forest echoed softly with her name before falling silent, before the silver blended, forgotten, into the gray around her. ‘I miss you...’ She watched her words disperse and disappear again – you, you, you – until it was silent.
Listen to me. I love you. With everything I am. With everything I’ll ever be… That’s all I wanted to say. That’s all I wanted you to know. No matter what happens between us, Darcy Turner… I love you forever.
My Review:
Picking up a paranormal book is an anomaly for me, but I am always willing to dabble in different genres when it comes to following an exceptional scribe who could make a grocery list interesting, and Katy Regnery certainly possesses that skill set. It’s You was an inventive and spellbinding tale that was maddeningly paced with alluring characters and intriguing secrets that taunted and tugged at my curiosity. I was impatient and eager to discern Jack’s mysterious past and current secrets, which were tantalizingly revealed one layer at a time. The narrative was full of unique and creative paranormal elements and unexpected twists. The protagonists shared an impossible yet fated match with an undeniable attraction that dated back to their teens, as well as a sensual chemistry that scorches the sheets. Their extraordinarily bewitching tale alternated between squeezing my cold coronary muscle and causing said muscle to pound against my ribs during their atomically hot couplings. For a rare paranormal reader, I was delightedly captivated.
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
… she searched his eyes. They ignited with a whoosh under her scrutiny, like a BBQ grill. In a moment they were blazing copper.
‘Jack?’ she breathed his name into the fog, and she saw the letters of his name in silver mist swirl from her mouth repeating as it dispersed, until the forest echoed softly with her name before falling silent, before the silver blended, forgotten, into the gray around her. ‘I miss you...’ She watched her words disperse and disappear again – you, you, you – until it was silent.
Listen to me. I love you. With everything I am. With everything I’ll ever be… That’s all I wanted to say. That’s all I wanted you to know. No matter what happens between us, Darcy Turner… I love you forever.
My Review:
Picking up a paranormal book is an anomaly for me, but I am always willing to dabble in different genres when it comes to following an exceptional scribe who could make a grocery list interesting, and Katy Regnery certainly possesses that skill set. It’s You was an inventive and spellbinding tale that was maddeningly paced with alluring characters and intriguing secrets that taunted and tugged at my curiosity. I was impatient and eager to discern Jack’s mysterious past and current secrets, which were tantalizingly revealed one layer at a time. The narrative was full of unique and creative paranormal elements and unexpected twists. The protagonists shared an impossible yet fated match with an undeniable attraction that dated back to their teens, as well as a sensual chemistry that scorches the sheets. Their extraordinarily bewitching tale alternated between squeezing my cold coronary muscle and causing said muscle to pound against my ribs during their atomically hot couplings. For a rare paranormal reader, I was delightedly captivated....more
It was an unfamiliar feeling and one that would pass like my New Year’s resolution to exerciseNew Year’s Negotiation by Kate Allenton
Favorite Quotes:
It was an unfamiliar feeling and one that would pass like my New Year’s resolution to exercise.
“That woman was downright rotten. She said what she meant and meant what she said. She was the strongest and most stubborn woman I’d ever met.” “Then why’d you marry her?” Ben chuckled in passing on his way toward the kitchen. “I had to. She hogtied me on our first date and owned more guns than I did.”
My Review:
This was my first time reading Kate Allenton, and I have to wonder why? How have I not noticed this delightful scribe? She hit on two of my favorite tropes with a second chance small-town romance. The storyline was well developed and entertaining, the characters were knowable and endearing, and the writing was cleverly amusing and engaging. That all adds up to a big Bingo for me – I have an early Christmas present of a new favorite author.
Unexpected Daddy by Gemma Brocato
Favorite Quote:
Braden Morningstar, outstanding centerfielder, cover-model sexy. Man-whore, according to the tabloids. There was a reason they called him Morning After Morningstar. My Review:
I enjoyed this sweet and steamy second chance romance for previous high school sweethearts. A villainous meddlesome mother was to blame for the previous failure, which is a highly relatable villain in my experience ;) Gemma Brocato always provides an engaging storyline with gasp-worthy sizzle and a satisfying HEA.
Merged review:
New Year’s Negotiation by Kate Allenton
Favorite Quotes:
It was an unfamiliar feeling and one that would pass like my New Year’s resolution to exercise.
“That woman was downright rotten. She said what she meant and meant what she said. She was the strongest and most stubborn woman I’d ever met.” “Then why’d you marry her?” Ben chuckled in passing on his way toward the kitchen. “I had to. She hogtied me on our first date and owned more guns than I did.”
My Review:
This was my first time reading Kate Allenton, and I have to wonder why? How have I not noticed this delightful scribe? She hit on two of my favorite tropes with a second chance small-town romance. The storyline was well developed and entertaining, the characters were knowable and endearing, and the writing was cleverly amusing and engaging. That all adds up to a big Bingo for me – I have an early Christmas present of a new favorite author.
Unexpected Daddy by Gemma Brocato
Favorite Quote:
Braden Morningstar, outstanding centerfielder, cover-model sexy. Man-whore, according to the tabloids. There was a reason they called him Morning After Morningstar. My Review:
I enjoyed this sweet and steamy second chance romance for previous high school sweethearts. A villainous meddlesome mother was to blame for the previous failure, which is a highly relatable villain in my experience ;) Gemma Brocato always provides an engaging storyline with gasp-worthy sizzle and a satisfying HEA....more
Forgive Me Not was not what I was expecting, it really wasn’t my cup of tea as my personal preference is to eschew high angst and constant c
My Review:
Forgive Me Not was not what I was expecting, it really wasn’t my cup of tea as my personal preference is to eschew high angst and constant conflict. Yet the book was well written and a thought-provoking family drama, and certainly gave me pause in my own thinking as it squeezed my heart and put a few hot rocks in my throat. Having dealt with more than my share of addicted and/or prevaricating personalities, I had a hard time appreciating the main character of Emma. Emma had been a rather heinous problem child and abandoned her family after causing and leaving them with yet another appallingly hideous mess. She was the worst type of manipulative and selfish party girl and had been for quite some time. After she finally hit bottom and found an impetus to clean up in rehab, she slowly and carefully went about her recovery and sincerely attempted to make amends, but she didn’t seem to fully realize just how much she needed to atone for.
Emma returned to her small village but not to the open arms she was hoping for; her family and the entire community at large were having none of it as they were struggling with their own hard times - and they were more than done with Emma. Every single one of them doubted her veracity, and for good reason. I didn’t blame them. Not one bit. I’ve jettisoned people for far less. But it was rather unnerving for me to consider if maybe, possibly, I should have given some of those a third chance. Although this was probably Emma’s thousandth chance… But there are some acts that cut extra deep and just aren’t forgivable, and Emma had committed far too many of those, and repeatedly, and to my horror - with little consequence.
The writing was insightfully observant and evocative with several interesting storylines involving the small and quirky little village and its unique inhabitants. To end on an upbeat, I do have yet another new addition for my Brit List with “mithering,” which Mr. Google defined as to irritate or pester. I cannot wait to start employing its use.
Merged review:
My Review:
Forgive Me Not was not what I was expecting, it really wasn’t my cup of tea as my personal preference is to eschew high angst and constant conflict. Yet the book was well written and a thought-provoking family drama, and certainly gave me pause in my own thinking as it squeezed my heart and put a few hot rocks in my throat. Having dealt with more than my share of addicted and/or prevaricating personalities, I had a hard time appreciating the main character of Emma. Emma had been a rather heinous problem child and abandoned her family after causing and leaving them with yet another appallingly hideous mess. She was the worst type of manipulative and selfish party girl and had been for quite some time. After she finally hit bottom and found an impetus to clean up in rehab, she slowly and carefully went about her recovery and sincerely attempted to make amends, but she didn’t seem to fully realize just how much she needed to atone for.
Emma returned to her small village but not to the open arms she was hoping for; her family and the entire community at large were having none of it as they were struggling with their own hard times - and they were more than done with Emma. Every single one of them doubted her veracity, and for good reason. I didn’t blame them. Not one bit. I’ve jettisoned people for far less. But it was rather unnerving for me to consider if maybe, possibly, I should have given some of those a third chance. Although this was probably Emma’s thousandth chance… But there are some acts that cut extra deep and just aren’t forgivable, and Emma had committed far too many of those, and repeatedly, and to my horror - with little consequence.
The writing was insightfully observant and evocative with several interesting storylines involving the small and quirky little village and its unique inhabitants. To end on an upbeat, I do have yet another new addition for my Brit List with “mithering,” which Mr. Google defined as to irritate or pester. I cannot wait to start employing its use....more
‘You’re talking to the person who a couple of years ago dabbled with online dating. I lied about my birth date to register. A woman asFavorite Quotes:
‘You’re talking to the person who a couple of years ago dabbled with online dating. I lied about my birth date to register. A woman asked me to send her a dirty picture.’ He covered his eyes with his hands. ‘I sent her a photo of me in my muddy cricket kit.’
I’ll buy us a big palace and they won’t have to work. We can eat all the chocolate we want and I’ll only wear clothes covered in glitter.
Have you never made a mistake? One you spent years wishing you could take back? Because if you haven’t already, believe me, it’s just a matter of time.
My Review:
I count sixteen books listed on Amazon for this crafty wordsmith and though I’d love to read them all, I’ve only gotten to four of those so far. While I have enjoyed each of those four, this one is definitely my favorite to date. There was a perfect balance of wit, family drama, villainy, curiosity arousing mystery, tragedy, and a budding romance for a young woman at a major life crossroads while uncovering long-buried family secrets. Ms. Tonge’s writing was smooth, lushly detailed, easy to fall into, and continuously engaging while shrewdly paced. She relentlessly poked at my inquisitive nature and had me fit to burst before finally revealing the well-contained family secrets, and there were several unexpected yet quite cleverly plotted outcomes. What a wily minx!
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
‘You’re talking to the person who a couple of years ago dabbled with online dating. I lied about my birth date to register. A woman asked me to send her a dirty picture.’ He covered his eyes with his hands. ‘I sent her a photo of me in my muddy cricket kit.’
I’ll buy us a big palace and they won’t have to work. We can eat all the chocolate we want and I’ll only wear clothes covered in glitter.
Have you never made a mistake? One you spent years wishing you could take back? Because if you haven’t already, believe me, it’s just a matter of time.
My Review:
I count sixteen books listed on Amazon for this crafty wordsmith and though I’d love to read them all, I’ve only gotten to four of those so far. While I have enjoyed each of those four, this one is definitely my favorite to date. There was a perfect balance of wit, family drama, villainy, curiosity arousing mystery, tragedy, and a budding romance for a young woman at a major life crossroads while uncovering long-buried family secrets. Ms. Tonge’s writing was smooth, lushly detailed, easy to fall into, and continuously engaging while shrewdly paced. She relentlessly poked at my inquisitive nature and had me fit to burst before finally revealing the well-contained family secrets, and there were several unexpected yet quite cleverly plotted outcomes. What a wily minx!...more
Turkey Bacon… I have an open mind about many things, I’ll have you know. But the sanctity of pork fat is not one of them.
I was just thFavorite Quotes:
Turkey Bacon… I have an open mind about many things, I’ll have you know. But the sanctity of pork fat is not one of them.
I was just thinking that if you’d been my middle-school teacher, I would not have been able to focus… All men— no matter their age—can appreciate a beautiful woman. Even teachers are fair game for the spank bank.
Aiden was a big guy. Goatee, shaved head, enough muscles for three men.
Sometimes I miss having a man around. I mean . . . obviously they have their uses.
My Review:
I enjoyed this quick and entertaining tale of a recent veteran who had returned to his small rural Kansas community while continuing to serve with the National Guard while establishing his new venture into cattle. His human relationships proved to be a bit trickier and considerably more complicated. I had not read the previous books in the series and apparently did not need to as was never confused, although I was feeling the prickling of curiosity as his fellow guardsmen sounded interesting and quirky. The premise was interesting and relevant, the storylines were easy to follow and engaging, and characters were likable and endearing. I was satisfied with the happy for now ending to the blossoming romance and would be interested in continuing the series with all the previous and future installments.
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
Turkey Bacon… I have an open mind about many things, I’ll have you know. But the sanctity of pork fat is not one of them.
I was just thinking that if you’d been my middle-school teacher, I would not have been able to focus… All men— no matter their age—can appreciate a beautiful woman. Even teachers are fair game for the spank bank.
Aiden was a big guy. Goatee, shaved head, enough muscles for three men.
Sometimes I miss having a man around. I mean . . . obviously they have their uses.
My Review:
I enjoyed this quick and entertaining tale of a recent veteran who had returned to his small rural Kansas community while continuing to serve with the National Guard while establishing his new venture into cattle. His human relationships proved to be a bit trickier and considerably more complicated. I had not read the previous books in the series and apparently did not need to as was never confused, although I was feeling the prickling of curiosity as his fellow guardsmen sounded interesting and quirky. The premise was interesting and relevant, the storylines were easy to follow and engaging, and characters were likable and endearing. I was satisfied with the happy for now ending to the blossoming romance and would be interested in continuing the series with all the previous and future installments....more
And to answer your question, yes, we do take Christmas seriously. Because it’s serious business. Peace on earth and goodwill toward meFavorite Quotes:
And to answer your question, yes, we do take Christmas seriously. Because it’s serious business. Peace on earth and goodwill toward men is not something you half-ass, Nessa Hunt. You use your whole ass.
A dull ache started at the back of Nessa’s head, one that usually coincided with Ivy’s tone. The tone that warned, I’m about to go into a full-out preteen hellish mood that all the berserkers and centurions in Fortnite won’t be able to save you from.
The other woman smiled widely, showing all her teeth, and even if the rest of the group hadn’t reacted as if this woman carried the strain for the next zombie plague, that smile would’ve had Nessa leery. Shark smiles— from people who grinned so huge you could count every tooth in their mouth— could rarely be trusted.
God, only a dinner party with Kanye West and Taylor Swift could possibly have been more awkward.
A couple of years ago, some enterprising soul replaced the ex-mayor’s box of decorations with penis-and-ball-shaped ornaments. Hilarious! We’ve all been secretly waiting for Penisgate to happen again. You can’t make this up, my friend.
She can throw a verbal smackdown that would leave a person crying and sucking his thumb.
My Review:
Shame on me, this prolific storyteller has one-hundred-and-one books listed on Goodreads and this is my first time reading her clever craft. The characters were likable and realistically flawed, yet resilient while struggling with individual issues. The story hit all the feels with the angst well tempered with amusing humor and volcanic and gasp producing sensual steam, although the latter came much later in the tale. The storylines were relatable and easy to follow with generous servings of family drama, wry humor, a supposedly no-strings holiday romance with a short shelf life, and small-town community holiday festivities – and this little berg was really into Christmas. Ms. Simone’s Christmas tale provides a bit of tasty spice and is a higher octane alternative to the more chaste and commercially packaged seasonal eggnog out of the carton Hallmark moments broadcasting nonstop this month.
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
And to answer your question, yes, we do take Christmas seriously. Because it’s serious business. Peace on earth and goodwill toward men is not something you half-ass, Nessa Hunt. You use your whole ass.
A dull ache started at the back of Nessa’s head, one that usually coincided with Ivy’s tone. The tone that warned, I’m about to go into a full-out preteen hellish mood that all the berserkers and centurions in Fortnite won’t be able to save you from.
The other woman smiled widely, showing all her teeth, and even if the rest of the group hadn’t reacted as if this woman carried the strain for the next zombie plague, that smile would’ve had Nessa leery. Shark smiles— from people who grinned so huge you could count every tooth in their mouth— could rarely be trusted.
God, only a dinner party with Kanye West and Taylor Swift could possibly have been more awkward.
A couple of years ago, some enterprising soul replaced the ex-mayor’s box of decorations with penis-and-ball-shaped ornaments. Hilarious! We’ve all been secretly waiting for Penisgate to happen again. You can’t make this up, my friend.
She can throw a verbal smackdown that would leave a person crying and sucking his thumb.
My Review:
Shame on me, this prolific storyteller has one-hundred-and-one books listed on Goodreads and this is my first time reading her clever craft. The characters were likable and realistically flawed, yet resilient while struggling with individual issues. The story hit all the feels with the angst well tempered with amusing humor and volcanic and gasp producing sensual steam, although the latter came much later in the tale. The storylines were relatable and easy to follow with generous servings of family drama, wry humor, a supposedly no-strings holiday romance with a short shelf life, and small-town community holiday festivities – and this little berg was really into Christmas. Ms. Simone’s Christmas tale provides a bit of tasty spice and is a higher octane alternative to the more chaste and commercially packaged seasonal eggnog out of the carton Hallmark moments broadcasting nonstop this month....more
All those years… Instead of thinking about doing something different, she should’ve been thinking about doing someone different.
ColliFavorite Quotes:
All those years… Instead of thinking about doing something different, she should’ve been thinking about doing someone different.
Collin blinked a couple times, surprised at himself. Ellie had him so gone, he’d started talking like someone who wrote greeting cards for a living.
My Review:
I enjoyed this delightful, sweet, and steamy romance as much as I enjoyed this storybook sounding community. Thistle Bend truly sounds enchanting and Ellie and Collin were an adorable couple. I reveled in their fun romance, cute flirty banter, and sizzling chemistry. Both had recently struggled with the humiliation and distress of broken engagements as well as betrayal and deception during their prior relationships, and neither was expecting or felt ready to risk their heart anytime soon. Collin had even established a set or rules for himself, rules that didn’t seem to work once he met the irresistible perfection that was Ellie. Ms. March’s writing was easy to follow, engaging, and richly descriptive. I look forward to a return trip to this picturesque community – hopefully soon.
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
All those years… Instead of thinking about doing something different, she should’ve been thinking about doing someone different.
Collin blinked a couple times, surprised at himself. Ellie had him so gone, he’d started talking like someone who wrote greeting cards for a living.
My Review:
I enjoyed this delightful, sweet, and steamy romance as much as I enjoyed this storybook sounding community. Thistle Bend truly sounds enchanting and Ellie and Collin were an adorable couple. I reveled in their fun romance, cute flirty banter, and sizzling chemistry. Both had recently struggled with the humiliation and distress of broken engagements as well as betrayal and deception during their prior relationships, and neither was expecting or felt ready to risk their heart anytime soon. Collin had even established a set or rules for himself, rules that didn’t seem to work once he met the irresistible perfection that was Ellie. Ms. March’s writing was easy to follow, engaging, and richly descriptive. I look forward to a return trip to this picturesque community – hopefully soon....more
I figure it's a little bit like telling Jesus no, you know? I figure he's got a direct line to Jesus, and tellin' him no is like punchFavorite Quotes:
I figure it's a little bit like telling Jesus no, you know? I figure he's got a direct line to Jesus, and tellin' him no is like punchin' Jesus in the face.
Reese Graham wanted a woman to stay home and iron his clothes while he had a woman somewhere else to iron, well, other things. Caroline would sooner die.
In one swift movement, Hazel slapped the side of her son's head so hard that a wad of tobacco came flying out of his mouth and landed in the middle of the bowl of peaches with a sickening plop. 'Don't lie to your mama, child... Now yer gonna eat them peaches.'
'He and his fool headed groomsmen insisted on those camouflage tuxedos.'... Generally speaking, she didn't mind camouflage. Folks in Cold River wore it year-round. However, there was just something tacky about using it in a wedding. It was like people forgot that camo was supposed to be for hunting. If you are getting married, well, the hunt was over.
My Review:
This is only Annie England Noblin's second book - and it was gold. I adored it. It squeezed my cold heart and moved me to blink back tears more than once, but at other times - it also had me smirking and chuckling aloud. I adored it from beginning to end and didn't want to stop reading this delightful and well-written tale once I picked it up. Written from a third person point of view and packed with clever humor, intrigue, long held family secrets, hillbillies, moonshine, small town small mindedness and gossip - this book was a winner! The writing was well-paced, compelling, moving, and unfailingly engaging from the first page to the last. I was invested in the storyline as well as in the multi-faceted and endearing characters. Some secrets are better kept just that, but when the secret Caroline had been chasing was finally revealed in-depth, it was by the most unlikely of sources and in such a tender manner, I was taken aback. The words stung my eyes and constricted my throat. This author has mad skills! I can't wait to see what she does next.
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
I figure it's a little bit like telling Jesus no, you know? I figure he's got a direct line to Jesus, and tellin' him no is like punchin' Jesus in the face.
Reese Graham wanted a woman to stay home and iron his clothes while he had a woman somewhere else to iron, well, other things. Caroline would sooner die.
In one swift movement, Hazel slapped the side of her son's head so hard that a wad of tobacco came flying out of his mouth and landed in the middle of the bowl of peaches with a sickening plop. 'Don't lie to your mama, child... Now yer gonna eat them peaches.'
'He and his fool headed groomsmen insisted on those camouflage tuxedos.'... Generally speaking, she didn't mind camouflage. Folks in Cold River wore it year-round. However, there was just something tacky about using it in a wedding. It was like people forgot that camo was supposed to be for hunting. If you are getting married, well, the hunt was over.
My Review:
This is only Annie England Noblin's second book - and it was gold. I adored it. It squeezed my cold heart and moved me to blink back tears more than once, but at other times - it also had me smirking and chuckling aloud. I adored it from beginning to end and didn't want to stop reading this delightful and well-written tale once I picked it up. Written from a third person point of view and packed with clever humor, intrigue, long held family secrets, hillbillies, moonshine, small town small mindedness and gossip - this book was a winner! The writing was well-paced, compelling, moving, and unfailingly engaging from the first page to the last. I was invested in the storyline as well as in the multi-faceted and endearing characters. Some secrets are better kept just that, but when the secret Caroline had been chasing was finally revealed in-depth, it was by the most unlikely of sources and in such a tender manner, I was taken aback. The words stung my eyes and constricted my throat. This author has mad skills! I can't wait to see what she does next....more
If she messed up in this new job, he'd be that troubled teen with the shaved head who sold pot and lived in their basement after he drFavorite Quotes:
If she messed up in this new job, he'd be that troubled teen with the shaved head who sold pot and lived in their basement after he dropped out of school in tenth grade.
Linny quietly steamed. She pictured Vera mincing as she walked up to accept the silver tennis trophy at the club awards dinner, an endless piece of toilet paper trailing from her shoe. Next, a tragic hair flat-iron malfunction leaving Vera looking like Big Bird as she stared, bewildered, at the hunks of blond tresses burned off in her hand. Linny exhaled, feeling better. Those visualizations she'd learned from that self-help book could be so calming.
I befriended my mother-in-law... She shoots squirrels and fixes them for supper but thought I wasn't classy enough for Jerry.
Jerry's mother was a bible-thumper who drove a jacked-up PT Cruiser.
Her mother's Buick was pockmarked with dents that Dottie swore were from people backing into it while she was innocently shopping at the Winn-Dixie. Linny winced inwardly, picturing her mother laughing gaily while at the wheel of a humongous juggernaut of a motor home barreling down the road, bouncing from one guardrail to another.
My Review:
I adored this amusing and insightful story from start to finish. Linny's story just gets better with the second book of the series, and I will be eagerly awaiting future works from this talented author. The plot was relevant and entertaining while the writing was effusively detailed, engaging, cleverly insightful, and humorous. Ms. Schild's characters were quirky, flawed, smart, amusing, and intriguing. Linny remains one of my favorite characters as she is a smart and resourceful gal that uses movies and television shows as reference material while she navigates new waters as a future step-mother to a geeky pre-teen boy, a boy who is currently testing the limits and pushing her buttons. While watching the Brady Brunch for inspiration, Linny laments that Carol Brady makes it look so easy, but later has second thoughts and wonders if Carol Brady drinks. Linny's humorous inner musings and her newly honed skill of using visualization as a coping mechanism are an endless source of amusement. More please!
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
If she messed up in this new job, he'd be that troubled teen with the shaved head who sold pot and lived in their basement after he dropped out of school in tenth grade.
Linny quietly steamed. She pictured Vera mincing as she walked up to accept the silver tennis trophy at the club awards dinner, an endless piece of toilet paper trailing from her shoe. Next, a tragic hair flat-iron malfunction leaving Vera looking like Big Bird as she stared, bewildered, at the hunks of blond tresses burned off in her hand. Linny exhaled, feeling better. Those visualizations she'd learned from that self-help book could be so calming.
I befriended my mother-in-law... She shoots squirrels and fixes them for supper but thought I wasn't classy enough for Jerry.
Jerry's mother was a bible-thumper who drove a jacked-up PT Cruiser.
Her mother's Buick was pockmarked with dents that Dottie swore were from people backing into it while she was innocently shopping at the Winn-Dixie. Linny winced inwardly, picturing her mother laughing gaily while at the wheel of a humongous juggernaut of a motor home barreling down the road, bouncing from one guardrail to another.
My Review:
I adored this amusing and insightful story from start to finish. Linny's story just gets better with the second book of the series, and I will be eagerly awaiting future works from this talented author. The plot was relevant and entertaining while the writing was effusively detailed, engaging, cleverly insightful, and humorous. Ms. Schild's characters were quirky, flawed, smart, amusing, and intriguing. Linny remains one of my favorite characters as she is a smart and resourceful gal that uses movies and television shows as reference material while she navigates new waters as a future step-mother to a geeky pre-teen boy, a boy who is currently testing the limits and pushing her buttons. While watching the Brady Brunch for inspiration, Linny laments that Carol Brady makes it look so easy, but later has second thoughts and wonders if Carol Brady drinks. Linny's humorous inner musings and her newly honed skill of using visualization as a coping mechanism are an endless source of amusement. More please!...more
And back to you not calling this an official date... Do we need a notarized certificate to make it official?
Hopefully we'll be doing tFavorite Quotes:
And back to you not calling this an official date... Do we need a notarized certificate to make it official?
Hopefully we'll be doing this forever, but we'll only have one first time.
I can't get enough of you. Not now. Not ever.
My Review:
This was my first Tracy March experience and it was one I will happily repeat again and again. Written from a third person POV, the story was part sweet and slow burn romance and part mystery. Thistle Bend was an interesting setting with beautifully detailed vistas, an interesting history, and a delightfully nosy and peculiar small town populous. Ms. March provided an intriguing mystery with endearing and fun characters and a relatable story. Holly and Bryce were an adorable couple, each with their own secrets and backstory. I enjoyed the secondary characters as much as I did the primary ones, and although this installment was the second in the series and a strong stand alone, I liked it well enough to go backward for the first in the series, as well as all the subsequent books to follow.
Merged review:
Favorite Quotes:
And back to you not calling this an official date... Do we need a notarized certificate to make it official?
Hopefully we'll be doing this forever, but we'll only have one first time.
I can't get enough of you. Not now. Not ever.
My Review:
This was my first Tracy March experience and it was one I will happily repeat again and again. Written from a third person POV, the story was part sweet and slow burn romance and part mystery. Thistle Bend was an interesting setting with beautifully detailed vistas, an interesting history, and a delightfully nosy and peculiar small town populous. Ms. March provided an intriguing mystery with endearing and fun characters and a relatable story. Holly and Bryce were an adorable couple, each with their own secrets and backstory. I enjoyed the secondary characters as much as I did the primary ones, and although this installment was the second in the series and a strong stand alone, I liked it well enough to go backward for the first in the series, as well as all the subsequent books to follow....more
I need love like a case of the pox— itchy, irritating, and leaves you scarred for life.
My teacher never looked like that. Mrs. Miller Favorite Quotes:
I need love like a case of the pox— itchy, irritating, and leaves you scarred for life.
My teacher never looked like that. Mrs. Miller had less hair than Dad and she was missing her front two teeth. She used to spit when she talked.
Generosity is a muscle you have to flex.
Timber, I promise to share my toys, to help you bake cookies, and to always give you lots of hugs. And Daddy, I will be good and not kiss anyone until I’m thirty-five.
My Review:
This was a relaxing, enjoyable, easy-to-follow, well-paced, and rather sweet tale and the perfect introduction to kick off a new series. The storylines were realistic yet entertaining with amusing hits of humor while populated with admirable characters who were instantly likable, endearing, and the salt of the earth types whom I would benefit from knowing and having in my own life. I look forward to many more future trips to the wilds of Point Promise. ...more
This was an entertaining quick, and humorous read with an endearing main character who was socially awkFavorite Quotes:
Don’t be ugly, y’all.
My Review:
This was an entertaining quick, and humorous read with an endearing main character who was socially awkward to a painful degree. Breanna was trying to put herself forward and work on her social phobias while also attempting to save a shelter dog from euthanasia. To save the dog, Breanna needed to solve a murder while hitting roadblock after roadblock within the small beach town community.
This crafty author has obviously been keenly observant of this type of condition and knows it’s easier to be bold for someone else than for oneself. The characters were authentically quirky and amusing and the small-town tactics and scenarios were realistically framed while prodding my curiosity for the motives behind the troublesome behaviors. I am looking forward to watching Bree’s progress in future installments....more
Hunter had come to resemble my house slippers— a little worn around the heels but comfortableFavorite Quotes:
I intend to live forever or die trying...
Hunter had come to resemble my house slippers— a little worn around the heels but comfortable and warm.
Matt is a fantasy for deep in the night when sleep is hard to come by. He is a fleeting dream that is nothing more than gossamer strands of floating golden threads— hard to grasp by a mere mortal.
Let’s face it, honey— I’m not getting any younger. You know you’re ancient when the candles cost more than the cake.
My Review:
I continue to enjoy Ms. Keam’s wry wit and smooth writing style while indulging my need for a rash of cozy mystery reading. This series keeps getting better with each installment. Her well-plotted murders keep me guessing while her quirky main character Josiah tries her best to reign in her temper and terrible luck. So, of course, I adore her beyond reason....more
The millions of little acts of kindness that happen every day are what makes the world tick over, not the grand gestures that everyoneFavorite Quotes:
The millions of little acts of kindness that happen every day are what makes the world tick over, not the grand gestures that everyone notices.
‘...it might sound to someone who didn’t know that you were calling me a lush.’ Ottilie laid a hand on her heart. ‘I’d never do that! I mean, you can sink more booze than a navy but that’s beside the point…’
My Review:
I adore Tilly Tennant and have reveled in every one of her engaging and nimbly penned tales that I’ve been lucky enough to pick up. This volume was an easy-to-follow, entertaining, and thoughtfully written continuation of the Village Nurse series, and I delighted in book two as much as the first installment.
I enjoy this clever scribe’s wry wit and authentic village characters. Her descriptions of the village residents and encounters are as humorous as they are defining. I often feel as if I could easily recognize the inhabitants of her stories if I met them on the street. I’m looking forward to more of these gently endearing tales. ...more
‘The trouble is that the coroner is swamped. Merstairs does have quite a large elderly population, you know,’ she said, in a way that Favorite Quotes:
‘The trouble is that the coroner is swamped. Merstairs does have quite a large elderly population, you know,’ she said, in a way that made it clear she was not part of that group. ‘Old dears dropping off their perches keep them very busy.’
It was a threatening beginning, accompanied as it was by a fierce look from Francesca’s bitter brown eyes. Sarah had always previously associated that shade with lovely, sweet, gently warming things, like chocolate and treacle, but Francesca’s stare was the colour of the hardest toffee going– the sort that would yank out your fillings in a trice, and probably crack a molar or two for good measure.
Her resentment is the perfect renewable energy. If only we could use it to power Merstairs. None of us would ever need to pay a penny in electricity bills again.
My Review:
I adore a wry wit and the delightful scribe known as Alice Castle has an exceptionally clever one as well as a smooth and engaging style that never fails to tickle my fancy. Her tales charm and entertain with snort-worthy humor that keeps a smirk on my face during perusal while also poking and prodding my curiosity to work out the “who done it.” But I do miss her beloved character of the pixie boot wearing Beth, maybe she could drop in Sarah for a visit. ...more
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