Chasing Someday by Crystal Walton {Review}

Chasing Someday by Crystal Walton

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published October 1st 2018 by Impact Editions, LLC 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

A country boy looking to win his best friend’s heart. A waitress afraid of giving hers away. And one crazy, impromptu dating plan that’s about to change everything.

Ex-model Livy Hensley has exactly three talents: making coffee, landing herself in the most awkward moments known to man, and failing miserably at relationships. But when the sweetest southern boy on the planet offers to be your dating coach, who could say no? Between struggling to open a café and trying to atone for a consequence of her past, Livy can use all the help she can get. Besides, what could possibly go wrong on a few practice dates with your best friend?

Chase Thompson’s no stranger to hard work. If that’s what it takes to prove to Livy they should be together, then he’s all in. He can handle pretending he’s not hopelessly in love with her. Sort of. Almost.
 

Okay, nowhere close. But with a conflicting solution to his family’s greatest trial on the line, the stakes of keeping his dating coach plan from backfiring have never been higher.

Up against the countdown of choices, Chase and Livy must find the courage to risk what they fear most for the someday they’ve always hoped for.

Download Chasing Someday and laugh and swoon with a memorable set of quirky characters in a country clean romance with all the feels.  

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Friends-to-lovers is always a favorite story line, especially when the characters are as scrumptious as sweet tea--and Chase and Livy are. Livy has an embarrassing quirk of seeing how far she can stick her foot in her mouth, but her heart is gold and her intentions are good. I couldn't believe how much I laughed at her expense, especially with her animal encounters. Chase is as true-blue loyal as they come and his family values seals the deal. I don't know how Livy could withstand his country charms, because I, for one, was completely smitten.

 

Pasts and secrets can be messy, but nothing that a little time and love can't cure. I loved that these characters had challenges to overcome, yet the solid simplicity of friendship and the smoldering tension of unrecognized feelings helped conquer these issues. I couldn't get enough of the swoon! 

 

The messages of being worth something and aligning priorities really illuminated the story, and evoke such heartwarming feelings. I've loved this series and this one just might be my favorite so far.

 

Content: mild, swoony romance (kissing, past intimacies and resulting consequences, some harassment); very mild religious elements

Forever Yours: Author Reina M. Williams

Italian Honeymoon by Reina M. Williams

Get whisked away on a sweet, romantic European vacation with the Lovestruck Billionaires! When love strikes, these billionaires must risk their most valuable assets--their hearts.

Julia Ross can't believe her sister is married. They'd promised each other they'd stay single, but now it's just Julia, facing another change in her well-ordered life. And then there's the groom's brother, Romeo, who wants to change even more--he and his family want to compete with her family's restaurants, and entice her to work for them. But nothing about Romeo Bianchi is enticing...until he proposes.
Romeo Bianchi likes to shake things up--on his terms--and a fake wedding to Julia Ross seems like the perfect opportunity to rattle both of their families. But when their pretend marriage causes real problems, the two decide to face them together, until love strikes and Julia runs scared. Then they both have to decide if change is a price they're willing to pay for their happily ever after.

 

She set her glass on a nearby table and brushed her hands, as if to rid herself of this stuck feeling. She needed to do something. She needed a change.

Maybe it was time to plan starting her own restaurant. But not at this moment. Since she’d already said her congrats and all to the happy couple, she headed upstairs to the bridesmaids’ room, where she and Elissa and Zoe had gotten ready before the ceremony earlier.

When she got to the elevator and pressed the button, Danton’s younger brother, Romeo, sauntered up to her, a drink in hand.

“Jules, leaving the party?” He downed the rest of his drink and set the glass on the floor.

Ugh. No consideration. And only her sister and Elissa’s best friend, Zoe, called her Jules. Where did this guy get off? He and his ruthless family could all rot. She crossed her arms and clenched her jaw. She had to be polite, for Elissa’s sake. At least he wasn’t bad to look at, all lean and athletic looking, but deceptively boyish, with that stupid cute smile and dimple in his left cheek.

So she’d eyed him during the ceremony. Checking out the enemy was all. Romeo’s family seemed to have it in for Dad, and she had no idea why. As usual, Dad was closed-mouth about the situation. She tightened her arms against her chest.

Supposedly, Danton had made them stop the takeover attempts. That didn’t excuse Romeo and his family, especially since now there were rumors that they were planning to scoop up some properties in the area to open rival restaurants.

They boarded the elevator. Romeo gave her that stupid smile and asked her what floor. She pushed the button herself. He shrugged, but didn’t push a button. Oh, great. He was either on the same floor or planning on following her. Well, she knew the head of security here, so he’d better watch himself. The doors closed and they glided up.

Romeo looked at her again. Shoot, he had fine eyes, all bluish-grey, like her favorite storm clouds over the city…and fine pecs, and broad shoulders, and, yes, he was fine. But she wasn’t minding that, not one bit.

Ugh. She better watch herself—more like check her eyesight if she couldn’t see right through Romeo Bianchi.

Praise for Reina's books:

"This is the sort of story I would happily recommend to my mum or grandma, or even a teenage reader.” ~Long and Short Reviews

“I recommend if you’re looking for something lighthearted.”~Kathleen, Amazon review

“A wonderful afternoon read with a cuppa and a few iced tea biscuits....” ~Susanne, Meditative Meanderings

“All the stories had lovely themes of opening and awakening – whether it is to new possibilities, love, or a new path in life. …for those who enjoy sweet and light-hearted reads these novellas are a perfect fit!” ~Meredith, Austenesque Reviews

 

Author Reina M. Williams

Reina M. Williams writes sweet romance with a touch of sass, from Austenesque series to contemporary twists on fairy tales. When she's not writing or spending time with her sons, you're most likely to find her watching a period drama or Disney movie, walking in a park, baking, or reading. A California native, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash

Ends 2/19/19

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Perfect Picture of Us by Rachelle Paige Campbell {Review}

A Perfect Picture of Us by Rachelle Paige Campbell

ebook, 280 pages

Published December 17th 2018 by The Wild Rose Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Chicago lifestyle blogger, Jess Edwards, built a successful brand based on the pursuit of perfection. From throwing a party to decorating a home, every post is magazine spread worthy. Leo Martinelli, the law school study partner she never mustered the nerve to kiss, shows up in the middle of a photo shoot, and she's thrilled for the reunion—until he serves her with a lawsuit.

Attorney Leo never thought he'd see Jess again, not after she disappeared halfway through the first semester. For the past ten years, he's measured every woman who's crossed his path against her. This meeting is his chance to say good-bye and finally move on from his unrequited crush—before relocating overseas.

To salvage her reputation, Jess has no intention of settling. To obtain the future he's worked hard for, Leo can't lose.

My Review: 3.5 Stars

Jess is the epitome of perfection, but that portrayal has come at a cost. When her former law school crush, Leo, serves her a lawsuit, her life takes some drastic turns. I love the idea of a second chance to develop a romance, especially with stumbling blocks scattering the path to that happily ever after. The things we have to work hard for in life are the most appreciated. I was fascinated by the fact that although these two used to be study partners, they haven't seen each other for ten years and once that first re-meeting occurs, they suddenly spot each other all over Chicago.

I'm a big lover of clean romance, as you all know. Jess and Leo have such great family support and connections, but I had a hard time fully connecting to their romance. I really wanted those emotional tentacles to grasp me in their clutches and to know more of their previous feelings, as that would have brought the connection for me, but it was all an after fact. That aside, I loved the small glimpses of vulnerability that the characters occasionally flashed and the way the lawsuit unfolded, leaving true inner intentions exposed.

Content: mild romance

Forever Yours: Ranee S. Clark

 

Meant for You by Raneé S. Clark

A hometown hero who’s suffering a personal crisis. A single-mom who’s back on her feet again. And the what-ifs they finally have a chance of seeing come true.
A year after her divorce, Chelsea Lewis spends most of her days working part-time at her cousin’s bakery and hiding veggies in her picky son’s lunches. Then she reconnects with an old friend who helps Chelsea in all the ways she’s forgotten she needs—including romantic ones.
Former football player, DJ Kaiser, is back in his hometown, working as a fireman to serve his community, but after nearly burning down his own house with a barbeque and wrecking the Chief’s truck, his mistakes are stacked against him—until he sets out to ease the stress of Chelsea’s load. Serving her has him feeling like a hero again.
When Chelsea’s ex shows up and begs Chelsea to move closer so his young son doesn’t grow up without his father, Chelsea and DJ have to consider what’s best for Chelsea’s little family, even if that means sacrificing the relationship that has saved them both.

 

They sat there, staring at each other for a moment that kept stretching out. Embarrassment crept over her expression, but she didn’t look away. He reached up with the hand that wasn’t around her shoulder and let his fingers graze over her cheek, feeling the heat there. She took a deep breath, and he had to as well. He wanted to kiss her, to take care of her and help her and . . . be everything for her. He slid his hand around her neck and guided her closer. They stared at each other.

“DJ?” she asked in a soft voice.

He couldn’t pull completely away. He swallowed. “What am I doing?” he whispered.

She tipped her head back. “What do you want to do?”

“That’s simple,” he said with a laugh. “I just . . . we can’t do half-measures here, can we?” Brady was a huge obstacle he didn’t know how to get over, as much as every moment with Chelsea drew her to him.

“No, we can’t,” she agreed.

Still, neither of them moved. Neither of them got up and walked away from this tipping point. He fingered a piece of her hair that fell in front of her shoulder. “He’s like my brother and I don’t know if there’s any point where this won’t feel like I’m betraying him . . . even . . . even if being with you might be more important.”

She settled her hands at his waist, gripping the sides of his T-shirt. “I hate that this has to be so complicated.” She tipped her head so that her forehead rested against his shoulder.

He pressed his cheek to the side of her head. “I know.” He lifted both of his hands to rest behind her neck and tilted her face back up to him, brushing a thumb along one of her cheeks. “I know.” He studied her from inches away, heat spreading through his chest.

Kiss her?

Walk away?

What do I do?

Her expression must mirror back his emotions. Fear. Uncertainty. Longing.

Did he want to take the next step and deal with the consequences? He should make the decision soon, especially if he wanted it more than he was scared of it. Any moment, he might come to his senses. They both might.

“I want this,” she whispered.

That was all it took to make his decision.

 

“From page one, readers will delight in the realistic qualities of the characters as they come to life through their flaws and weaknesses, but also their strengths and triumphs.” -Singing Librarian Books
“I’m not sure I’ve ever read an author who can show personal growth as well as Clark does.” -Amazon Review
“I could not put this book down. Once it started I HAD to know how it ended… I felt invested in Chelsea’s story.” Good Reads Review

 
Author Raneé S. Clark

During her early years of reading, Raneé S. Clark devoured fantasy books, which continued into her adulthood—since she often believes that a well-written romance novel is a delightful fantasy. Though raising three boys can sometimes hamper both romance with her own Mr. Charming and her writing, she tries to get a little of both in every day. And most of the time she succeeds.

Raneé is the author of four contemporary romances and one historical novel, Beneath the Bellemont Sky.

 

Giveaway Details
$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash
Ends 2/18/19
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway