The Billionaire's Stray Heart (Burke Billionaire Romance #2) by Rachelle J. Christensen {Review}

The Billionaire's Stray Heart (Burke Billionaire Romance #2) by Rachelle J. Christensen

Kindle Edition, 198 pages

Published December 16th 2017 by Peachwood Press 

 

 

 

 

One billionaire, a stray puppy, and a beautiful dog trainer discover that love changes everything.

Jordan Burke, billionaire owner of Burke Enterprises doesn’t have time to date. His sister thinks it’s time for him to find love and sets him up with her best friend, but Jordan can’t leave his work behind. After the disastrous date, a stray puppy saves his life, and Jordan meets a woman who makes him rethink his priorities. 

Madison is attracted to Jordan from their first meeting but wary of his billionaire status. Despite her fears, she can’t ignore the pounding of her heart and the sparks flying between them or the tender way Jordan has with his new puppy. 

Jordan starts to change his life to make room for the woman he loves, but when a business opportunity comes his way, will he be able to keep his resolve or will his heart stray again?  

 

  

My Review: 4 Stars
 

A love a good meet-cute and this one was adorable, and as an added bonus, it also involved a mischievous little puppy. Jordan and Madison have an instant attraction and Roxie the pup helps bring them together after that first connection.

Is it possible to be a successful billionaire without being a workaholic? Maybe, but definitely not in Jordan's case. He eats, sleeps, and breaths work, and I love how Roxie and Madison mellow him out, helping him realize there's more to life than work.

Christensen writes some enchanting scenes that involve both that cute (and somewhat destructive) pup and a charming blossoming romance. It was easy to identify with bits and pieces of the characters and to get caught up in their story. What a lovely, light escape!

Content: mild romance

The Bookish Billionaire by Jennifer Griffith {Review}

The Bookish Billionaire by Jennifer Griffith

Kindle Edition, 180 pages

Publication: February 26th 2019 

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

 

    

 

One wedding party, two jilted lovers, and three ill-behaved dogs. Can they add up to love?
Numbers guy and best man Price Robertson finds himself drawn to the maid of honor as they dance at a wedding. Always brain-bound, he hasn’t made time for a relationship since he was rejected by the one girl he ever loved years ago. Now, he's only in Getaway Bay for a single day, so making a connection with this fascinating girl is a mistake. So what if Annika gets his bookish ways and is the best non-small-talker who has ever put him at ease? He’ll never see her again after this wedding dance.

As maid of honor, Jane-of-all-trades Annika Dearborn is anxious to get back to her studies the second her wedding responsibilities are finished. She’s gotten hopelessly behind in her business classes and could really use a tutor with a business mind like Price’s to help her catch up. Too bad he's leaving. Especially because she’s been out of school (and love) ever since she dropped out years ago in hopes of marrying Mr. Right—who turned out to be Mr. Oh-So-Wrong. Because he was already married.

When Price learns he’s not flying out of Getaway Bay tonight after all—or for the foreseeable future, thanks to an upsetting call from the government—he has nowhere to stay while he lies low and figures out his next move.

Meanwhile, Annika owes a debt to the groom’s parents, and finds herself agreeing to tend the worst-behaved dogs on earth. She learns this task includes an enormous St. Bernard with a bark like an earthquake. Asking Price for help seems logical on the surface, but it puts her heart at risk of opening up, when she should never allow it to again.

Will Price and Annika let go of their failed past loves and see the chance that barks right at their heels?

Escape to Getaway Bay and join the Clean Billionaire Beach Club for some seriously sweet romance.

Each book can be read as a standalone, with a happily-ever-after ending, and clean, sweet-without-losing-the-heat romance!  

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Aloha, Getaway Bay! I'm b-a-a-a-ck! And it's fantastic to be back on the Big Island of Hawaii in this place that's feeling a lot like home.

 

You know how some people have a maid or a personal chef? Or maybe even a personal trainer? I'm wondering if there's any way I could have my own personal author to sit and write me swoony books to read, and right now, I'm looking at you, Jennifer Griffith!

 

I was completely stunned by this story--not because it's the most life-altering book I've ever read, but because of the author's incredible ability to completely portray her characters through simple words. Price and Annika came to life in an unbelievably realistic way. 

 

Price is slightly nerdy (okay, being completely honest here, he's a total nerd) and his idiosyncrasies are accurately portrayed,  yet they completely mesh with Annika's personality. Each character has something deep to hide, yet they can't deny the instantaneous combustion that ignites their souls. And it's a very large, very loud, and very slobbery St. Bernard that really seals the deal. 

 

Honestly, I devoured this novel faster than my box of See's chocolates Valentine's candies and I'm hoping, praying, and crossing my fingers for more. My advice before reading this one? Clear your schedule and be prepared to swoon!

 

Content: mild romance (swoony, kissing)

Home to Stay by Kate James {Blog Tour Review + Giveaway}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Home to Stay

by Kate James
Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 312 pages
July 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She's bringing his son home

A missing little boy triggers San Diego K-9 officer Shannon Clemens and her canine search-and-rescue partner into instant action. For the rookie cop haunted by a childhood tragedy, bringing Sawyer Evans's son safely home is more than a job. It's a mission she can't fail… But forging a friendship with the father is a tactical error that could compromise her first solo assignment. Yet the deepening bond between them is almost impossible to resist…

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│iTunes│Indigo

My Review: 4 Stars

I love this San Diego K-9 Unit series. The bonds that each officer has with their dog is so endearing and I can't help but to love these furry critters as well. In HOME TO STAY, Shannon and her four-legged partner, Darwin, are called to find a missing boy, but the situation hits too close to home for her.

Sawyer is a single parent since his wife disappeared a few years earlier and I had a few issues with this. He is ready to move on with life and I didn't like the fact that he made that jump so quickly and in the midst of a crisis with his son. I guess when love hits, it hits, but I felt like it made him seem a little selfish at times. And I'm not a big fan of a yo-yo relationship.

However, I loved seeing characters from previous books show up and to catch up on their lives. Just like in the earlier books of the series, the action and suspense happens right from the beginning and it doesn't ease up until it's all over. It was almost over-the-top, crazy drama--the kind that you wonder if it ever happens in real life. There's a mystery angle that really kept me reading because I couldn't figure out the who-done-it and what the motive was. I devoured the story and came away feeling a little emotionally exhausted and heart wrenched, yet satisfied with how the events finalized.

Content: mild language; mild romance; mild violence.

*I received a copy through the tour host, which didn't affect my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Other Books in the Series

  

About the Author

Kate spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result, Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word.

Kate's goal is to entertain her readers with engaging stories featuring strong, likable characters. Kate has been honored with numerous awards for her writing. She and her husband, Ken, enjoy traveling and the outdoors, with their beloved Labrador Retrievers, Harley and Logan.

Kate would love to hear from you! You can connect with her by email, through her website, her Facebook page, Twitter, or mail at PO Box 446, Schomberg, ON, L0G 1T0, Canada.

Tour Schedule

July 8th: Launch
July 9th:
Heidi Reads...
Becky on Books
Thoughts of a Blonde
deal sharing aunt
With Love for Books
July 10th:
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Hearts & Scribbles
Slice of Life
It's All About the Romance
Mel's Shelves
July 11th:
Rockin' Book Reviews
underneath the covers
Getting Your Read On
Nicole's Book Musings
Cafinated Reads
Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford
July 12th:
A Baker's Perspective
Paulette's Papers
Christy's Cozy Corners
The Bookworm Chronicles
Remembrancy
Janice's Book Reviews
July 13th:
Singing Librarian Books
I Am A Reader
Reading Is My SuperPower
Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader
Book Lover in Florida
Wishful Endings
July 14: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway


Prize Pack:
· A gorgeous aqua cross-body bag;
· "Dreamer Extraordinaire" charm bookmark;
· signed copy of When Love Matters Most, the second book in the San Diego K-9 Unit series);
· signed copy of When I Found You, the third book in the San Diego K-9 Unit series;
· an assortment of bookmarks and bookplates; and
· a $20 Amazon gift card.
· (US/CAN - if winner lives elsewhere, will receive ebooks & gift card instead)

Signed Books:

· Six winners who comment on any of the blog posts, will receive a signed book (US/CAN) of their choice from the first three books in the San Diego K-9 Unit series, When the Right One Comes Along, When Love Matters Most, or When I Found You.

Ends July 18th

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How to Love a Dog's Best Friend by Cami Checketts {Review}

How to Love a Dog's Best Friend by Cami Checketts

Kindle Edition, 178 pages

Published March 1st 2017 by Birch River Publishing

    

Attacked as a child, Brikelle Manwaring is terrified of dogs. When Colt Jepson's huge Great Dane chases her up a canyon, she tells him off and prays she'll never see either of them again. 

When Colt and Brikelle are forced to pretend they are married, Colt discovers there’s more to Brikelle than a feisty beauty who likes to tell him off.

Their deception grows until neither of them are sure what is reality and what is fiction. The only thing they know is if they don’t tell the truth soon, they might lose their careers and any chance to be together.

Can Brikelle ever learn to love a beastly dog, or his owner?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My Review: 5 Stars

Who would ever think that a dog could bring two people together? In this story of pretending and forgiveness, that's just what happens. There were a few things said that made me feel like this is a modern Cinderella story. I absolutely loved this book!!

I love that this author writes so many of her characters as runners. I've picked it up in the last two years and I've been chased down by dogs before too. Brikelle's fear is realistic, especially since she has a very good reason for it. I love Ike (the dog) and how he knows a good thing when he sees it.

The first meeting after the dog incident immediately had me smiling and swooning. And it didn't stop there. This story is full of palpable chemistry that had me longing for the days when my husband and I were first dating. Every girl wants to be loved and loved well and Colt does a fantastic job of making Brikelle feel his passion and desire. Of course, true to her style, Ms. Checketts keeps the romance spicy, yet clean--no moral boundaries are crossed.

There are so many situations that had me laughing--from boating with the brothers, to fighting at work, to a weekend house party. A twist took me off guard, but gave the story a depth that led the characters to probe their inner feelings.

Content: mild violence (talk of dog attack); mild-moderate romance (spicy clean kissing, some innuendo, talk of desire but wanting to wait for marriage).

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buy Links:

About the Author:

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

www.camichecketts.com                

When I Found You (K-9 Trilogy #3) by Kate James {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

When I Found You

(K-9 Trilogy #3)
by Kate James
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 365 pages

July 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Is she part of the solution…or the problem?

It could be a terrorist threat. Or is it some other sinister plot? An unprecedented rash of security breaches at San Diego's international airport is putting passengers at risk and bringing the competence of the airport's chief of security, Ariana Atkins, into question. With explosives the weapon of choice, police K-9 unit captain Logan O'Connor and his bomb detection dog, Boomer, might be Ariana's best, if not only, line of defense. Logan is certain his belief in Ariana, and his growing love for her, aren't misplaced…but it wouldn't be the first time he's misjudged someone's intentions.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

My Review: 5 Stars

*This series doesn't necessarily need to be read in order.*

Ariana is the head of security at the San Diego airport and Logan is a K-9 handler, who specializes in explosives. A bunch of security threats throw the two of them together and they are racing against time to solve this mystery. 

Ariana is a very strong, tough woman, but she has a very sensitive, soft side, which makes her easy to like. She finds herself in the line of fire a few times, yet she's very competent and efficient. She's like an onion, with layers gradually peeled away and the reader slowly comes to know who she truly is and the reasons behind her behaviors--from fear to jealousy to passion. I have to admit--I thought her jealousy was adorable and caused a few humorous moments.

I have a dog and I wish I could handle him as well as Logan handles Boomer. He's not only a ladies man, but a dog man, for sure. He's determined not to get tied up in a relationship, but he's so patient, kind, and chivalrous. I couldn't help but fall for him a little myself. And Boomer...he completely stole my heart.

The way this story flows is very engaging. The mystery/suspense angle had me on the edge of my seat and guessing until the end. There are enough plot twists to still keep it very intriguing and it makes me wonder how many close calls there are at airports every single day. I have to admire those who sacrifice their time and risk their lives to keep the majority of people safe. I loved the romantic interludes and the way these two show a lot of respect for each other and for their co-workers and friends. I couldn't get enough of the story and enjoyed every page. I think this one may be the best book of the trilogy!

Content: mild language; mild romance; mild violence. Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

Other Books in the Series

When the Right One Comes Along

(K-9 Trilogy #1)
by Kate James
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 293 Pages

October 1st 2015 by Harlequin

Brought together by disaster. Kept together by love.

In the aftermath of a deadly earthquake, it's chaos for trauma surgeon Jessica Hansen. Among the many victims, one patient stands out—San Diego Police K-9 search and rescue officer Cal Palmer.

Cal vows to help Kayla, a child orphaned by the disaster. But he needs Jessica's help. Will their shared concern for Kayla and for Cal's canine partner, Scout, allow them to put aside their personal torments and discover the difference love can make?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

When Love Matters Most

(K-9 Trilogy #2)

by Kate James

Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 pages

January 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Keeping her safe at all costs

Could their backgrounds be any more different? Rick Vasquez, a K-9 unit sergeant with the San Diego Police Department, fled drug-related violence in Mexico as a boy. Madison Long, who recently became primary veterinarian to the SDPD's canines, is the privileged daughter of a judge. Rick has dedicated his life to curtailing cross-border drug trafficking and preventing other young boys from being drawn into the dark world of the cartels.

But everything Rick and Madison value, and the growing love between them, is threatened by the dangers of Rick's job, and the risks he's determined to take…

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Kate James spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result, Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word. Her writing has been recognized with a number of awards, including first place honors for Silver Linings in both the First Coast Romance Writers’ Published Beacon Contest and Ancient City Romance Authors’ Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award. Her November 2014 Harlequin Heartwarming release, A Child’s Christmas, received first-place honors from Southern Magic, the Birmingham Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, for the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, placed second in the Ancient City Romance Authors’ Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award, and was a finalist in RWA’s Desert Rose Chapter’s Golden Quill Award and the Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence. Finally, her October 2015 release, When the Right One Comes Along, the first book in her K-9 trilogy, has received a Best Book of 2015 award in the contemporary category.

She and her husband, Ken, enjoy traveling and the outdoors with their beloved Labrador Retrievers, Harley and Logan.

Kate would love to hear from you! You can connect with her by e-mail, through her website, her Facebook page, Twitter, or mail at PO Box 446, Schomberg, ON, L0G 1T0, Canada.

Tour Schedule

July 5th: Launch

July 6th: Katie's Clean Book Collection, Thoughts of a Blonde & Slice of Life

July 7th: Getting Your Read On

July 8th: Becky on Books

July 10th: Christy's Cozy Corners

July 11th: EskieMama Reads

July 11th: Brooke Blogs

July 12th: Rockin' Book Reviews

July 12th: Wishful Endings

July 13th: Mel's Shelves

July 14th: 23 Review Street & Hardcover Feedback

July 15th: deal sharing aunt

July 17th: underneath the covers & Falling Leaves

June 18th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

US/CAN PRIZE PACK: one K-9 trilogy women’s T-shirt, tote bag and a mug, a signed copy of the award-winning first book in the trilogy, When the Right One Comes Along, a signed copy of The Truth About Hope, signed book plates and a bag of Tim Horton’s coffee.

-Open to US/CAN only

-Ends July 24th

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When Love Matters Most by Kate James {Review and Giveaway}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Now More Readily Available in Print

This is an exciting time for Harlequin Heartwarming. Thanks to the loyalty of our readers, for the first time, our January releases, including When Love Matters Most, are available as mass-market paperbacks through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Harlequin.com. Also, When Love Matters Most will be available in select Walmart stores in the United States in February! Please check the Harlequin website for the location nearest you. Thank you to all our readers who made these advancements possible for us!

— Kate

When Love Matters Most

(K-9 Trilogy #2)
by Kate James
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
January 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Keeping her safe at all costs

Could their backgrounds be any more different? Rick Vasquez, a K-9 unit sergeant with the San Diego Police Department, fled drug-related violence in Mexico as a boy. Madison Long, who recently became primary veterinarian to the SDPD's canines, is the privileged daughter of a judge. Rick has dedicated his life to curtailing cross-border drug trafficking and preventing other young boys from being drawn into the dark world of the cartels.

But everything Rick and Madison value, and the growing love between them, is threatened by the dangers of Rick's job, and the risks he's determined to take…

My Review
4 Stars
*I received a copy from Prism Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*

I missed out on reading the first book of this series, but this book stands alone. I love San Diego and could easily picture the locations of the events of this story. The setting is great and I especially loved the characters and the way they have such strong connections to the setting.

Rick grew up in a drug house in Mexico and fled as a young teen. Due to a wonderful foster-turned-adoptive family, his life is very dedicated to fighting drugs, drug cartels, drug runners, etc. He has an amazing impact on students and others as he strives to rid the world of some of these issues. He's very handsome and likable and I love how he's more of a "spirit of the law" kind of person, not always following things to a T, but to do what's best in each individual situation.

Madison is a new vet in town and is assigned to work with the K-9 division. I love the first meeting between Madison and Rick, as well as the second. She comes from a very different upbringing and struggles with doing what's legally right versus what's ethically right. I love the tender way she has with animals, especially dogs, and her determination to find ways to better help and treat them.

Growing up, dogs scared me a little, but I sure do love them now! I loved all of the interactions both characters had with their dogs and the matter-of-fact way they had in training and handling them.

I especially enjoyed the various elements to this story. There's a mystery/suspense angle that plays well into the romantic angle, which is complicated. I enjoyed the family relationships, the new friendships, and the loyalty to each. This is definitely a series I plan on continuing to read!

Content: mild language; mild violence (drugs, drug runners, dog attacks, fights, but all is non-graphic); mild romance (kissing). I would considered it clean, especially for an adult.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin

Kate James spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result, Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word. Her writing has been recognized with a number of awards, including first place honors for Silver Linings in both the First Coast Romance Writers’ Published Beacon Contest and Ancient City Romance Authors’ Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award. Her November 2014 Harlequin Heartwarming release, A Child’s Christmas, received first-place honors from Southern Magic, the Birmingham Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, for the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, placed second in the Ancient City Romance Authors’ Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award, and was a finalist in RWA’s Desert Rose Chapter’s Golden Quill Award and the Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence. Finally, her October 2015 release, When the Right One Comes Along, the first book in her K-9 trilogy, has received a Best Book of 2015 award in the contemporary category.

She and her husband, Ken, enjoy traveling and the outdoors with their beloved Labrador Retrievers, Harley and Logan.

Kate would love to hear from you! You can connect with her by e-mail, through her website, her Facebook page, Twitter, or mail at PO Box 446, Schomberg, ON, L0G 1T0, Canada.

Tour Schedule

January 4th: Launch
January 5th: Katie's Clean Book Collection

January 6th: Becky on Books & Sunrise Avenue

January 7th: Reading Is My SuperPower & Singing Librarian Books

January 8th: Getting Your Read On & deal sharing aunt

January 10th: Colorimetry & I Am A Reader

January 11th: Mel's Shelves & Slice of Life

January 12th: Thoughts of a Blonde & Falling Leaves

January 13th: underneath the covers & Teatime and Books

January 14th: Rockin' Book Reviews

January 15th: Enthralling Dimple & Love, Laughter, Friendship

January 17th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- $40 Amazon eGift Card & signed copies of The Truth About Hope and When the Right One Comes Along
- 3 winners of signed copies of When the Right One Comes Along
Open US/CAN only
Ends January 23rd

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Review: Raising the Stakes by Karen Rock with TWO Giveaways

 Tour Schedule

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Raising the Stakes by Karen Rock. This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. 

Raising the Stakes
by Karen Rock
Genre: Adult
Age category: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 1 April, 2015

Description:
Hiding from the world…

Tucking herself away in the Adirondack woods was supposed to keep Vivienne Harris safe. From dark memories of the Bronx, from danger, from entanglements. But when an orphaned bear cub raids her pantry and conservation officer Liam Walsh appears with news of poachers nearby, her private, peaceful world is turned upside down!

Suddenly two forces are drawing her out—Button, the cub who needs her help, and Liam, the man who's dead set against her rehabilitating the bear. If she can just win Liam's support, Vivie knows she can give Button a good life. And maybe find the courage to embrace a future with Liam…

My Review:
I've come to love the stories that Karen Rock weaves. Each one is unique and tells the tale of two people falling in love. However, this one is slightly different, but the cover is perfect for this story.

Vivie is seeking a safe, comfortable life in the Adirondack woods in upstate New York. An orphaned bear shows up in her kitchen and when Liam appears to help, her peaceful zone flies out the window. Vivie and Liam butt heads more than once and over many different things--especially when it comes to raising a bear. Their differences drive them apart, but their need for security draws them together. I used to want to have a pet bear or a monkey--so cute and cuddly. I loved reading about the animals.

Vivie is recovering victim of a violent act and is driven to show love to those who need it, namely orphans who are animals. She has a menagerie of pets--a baby bear cub, a cat, and a dog. She really roots and cheers for the underdog and helps them at all costs. Liam isn't like that. He has his own emotional scars and doesn't like to be rooted. He is a rule follower and does what's best for the big picture, not each piece of the puzzle.

I enjoyed seeing Niall and Kayleigh in a cameo role from a previous story. I loved the way Vivie and Liam work together and the interactions with Button the bear were the best. I love a good, clean romance. I wish there had been a little more in here, but it was fitting with what the characters were going through.

Content: mild romance (kissing); no language or religious elements; mild violence (mentions war violence, death, an attack/rape--not graphic at all). Clean.

Buy Links:

- Amazon

- Barnes & Noble

- Kobo

- Harlequin
 

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About the Author:
Karen Rock is an award-winning YA and adult contemporary romance author. She holds a master’s degree in English and worked as an ELA instructor before becoming a full-time writer. Currently she writes for Harlequin Heartwarming and her first novel for the line, WISH ME TOMORROW, has won the 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2014 Golden Quill Contest and a finalist in the Published Maggie Awards. The first novel in her co-authored YA series, CAMP BOYFRIEND, has been a finalist in the Booksellers Best and Golden Leaf awards.

You can find and contact Karen here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Tumblr
- Quarterly Newsletter
- Amazon Author Page

There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Raising the Stakes. These are the prizes you can win:
- a 100$ Amazon gift card (INT)
- a set of signed paperbacks of Wish Me Tomorrow, His Hometown Girl, Someone Like You and A League of Her Own (US only)

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
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Review: One Perfect Year by Melinda Curtis with Giveaway

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

One Perfect Year

(Harmony Valley #4)
Melinda Curtis

Adult Contemporary Romance

March 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He's coming up on her blind side

How can Shelby Hawkley forgive Gage Jamero for bailing on her when she needed him most? He and her husband, Nick, were the best part of her life. Now her former best friend is back, shaking up the widowed wine harvester's world. The safest bet is to protect herself. Except Gage is awakening feelings that are decidedly unfriend-like.

Shelby is the woman Gage has secretly loved since high school. Starting over—together—could be the best dream he's ever had. If only he can find the courage to say what he should have said all those years ago.

My Review
Shelby has a lot of baggage. Not only did her husband die, but her best friend all but abandoned her in her greatest time of need. Now Gage is back and things aren't the same as they were before.

Shelby is a very compassionate and passionate woman. She loves deeply and holds onto the past. She's afraid of the unknown and often thinks of the "what ifs" in life. Yet, from dogs to elderly ladies, she has just the knack to make those around her feel loved and accepted. I wanted to see her get over her issues because she really has a lot to offer, but I can understand how she wants to protect herself and her heart.

Gage let emotion and fear drive him away, but now he's ready to man up. I like Gage, but had a hard time understanding why he struggled making a big decision--love or career? Those choices aren't easy for anyone to make, but the answer was clear for me.

I loved returning to Harmony Valley. The characters are quirky and endearing and the setting is heavenly. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story and felt a lot of emotion in relationship to the events that happened. Mae, an older woman, is selling her old wedding dress store and I could feel her regret at having to do so. There were quite a few humorous moments, especially involving Lucky, the stray St. Bernard. I enjoyed the romantic connections, but wish the tension would have been throughout the story, instead of so close to the end. I look forward to more!

Content: Squeaky clean romance (kissing); mild language (one or two mild words); mild violence (relating to injuries sustained from animals); no religious elements.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Google Play - Harlequin

Award winning, USA Today bestseller Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet and emotional romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the indie pubbed Bridesmaid series. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf”. Melinda also writes independently published, hotter romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Sharp, sassy, modern version of a screwball comedy from Hollywood's Golden Age except a lot hotter.”

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Tumblr - Google+

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Grand Prize: An Autographed Set of the first 3 Harmony Valley Books
(Dandelion Wishes, Summer Kisses, and Season of Change) (US only or ebooks to an international)

Additional Prizes:
- Happy Bee Day Mug with candy and Sweet and Heartwarming Bracelet (US
only - if international winner pulled then a single ebook from author's back list)
- Bee Salt and Pepper Shaker and Sweet and Heartwarming Bracelet (US
only - if international winner pulled then a single ebook from author's back list)

Ends March 15th

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Follow the March Tour!

1: Launch

2: Katie's Clean Book Collection & JoJo's Corner

3: Christy's Cozy Corners, Getting Your Read On, & i blog 4 books

4: Mel's Shelves, Southern Chelle, & My Devotional Thoughts

5: Bookworm Lisa & I Am A Reader

6: Letter From Annie (Douglass) Lima & Christian Chick's Thoughts

8: Grand Finale