Julia (Women of Worcester Book 2) by Julie Matern {Book Review}

Julia (Women of Worcester Book 2) by Julie Matern

 

Julia Deverell is a talented musician with a secret. Alexander Trevellyan threatens to expose that secret. Can they come to some agreement? Will they fall in love in the process?

When Julia Deverell plays the piano, everyone is entranced, even the handsome stranger who guesses her secret. But when she hears that he has criticized her method in public she declares him public enemy number one. However, when circumstances force them together, she cannot deny he possesses an undeniable charisma. If only she had not determined to dislike him.

Alex is a classical music student at Oxford. Music is not one of the approved careers for second sons and he endures lifelong ridicule, but his exceptional talent dictates the future course of his life. When he attends his aunt’s party and hears Julia play, he is mesmerized until she makes an error and he guesses her secret. Envy drives him to criticize her in the hearing of another guest but almost immediately he regrets his action and vows never to let petty jealousy get the better of him again.

When asked to play a duet with Julia by his aunt, an irrefutable attraction sparks but Julia seems determined to ignore it and shun him. Can he convince her to give him a chance?

Julia is the second novella in the Women of Worcester series.

AMAZON

My Review: 4 Stars

I love music and wish I would've stuck with the piano. Julia is an extremely talented pianist but has a secret to her method and Alex figures it out almost immediately. I loved his cocky attitude and her insecurities, and it was so much fun to watch them learn to play together. Their interactions were so delightful!

The Women of Worcester series is all about strong and slightly unconventional women. I enjoyed reading about not only the experiences that the piano gave to Julia but the relationship and romance that resulted.

Content: mild romance

River's Song (Harvest Ranch Romance #12) by Stephanie Fowers {Review}

River's Song (Harvest Ranch Romance #12) by Stephanie Fowers

ebook, 212 pages

Publication: April 12th 2021  

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

 

 

A country singer rediscovers his passion for music when he meets a spunky small town girl who lives her life to the fullest. Too bad she's his best friend's ex.

Now he'd better forget his racing pulse so he can get a photograph back from her that could ruin his career.

The trouble is that spending time with her feels like a good old fashioned love song, and he can't get that stupid tune out of his head... or out of his heart.

  

My Review: 5 Stars

This series set in a small town in Virginia has firmly planted itself deep in my heart and soul. I loved this story about country singer, River, and photographer, Liv. With past relationship complications and past mistakes haunting their instant attraction, River and Liv have to dig deep to discover what matters and what's worth fighting for.  

I love the way the characters of this town watch out for one another and the way the magic of romance sprinkles around like floating cherry or apple blossoms. Although River and Liv have some complications, I adored them and their story. The connections between other books in the series brought a feeling of familiarity, but most of all, I loved the music, the inspiration, and the hope. Fowers breathes life into this book, allowing the reader to escape into this charming town for a time. 

Learning about history or facts about different things is always more enjoyable to me when they're embedded in fiction. It was fascinating to learn about film development, but that's not all that developed through the lens of a camera. Such an enjoyable addition to this series!

Content: mild romance; vague talk of drinking, drugs, women; mild religion 

Chasing Moonbeams by Cindy Roland Anderson {Review}

Chasing Moonbeams by Cindy Roland Anderson

Kindle Edition, 139 pages

Published February 26th 2021 

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

 

Her heart's been broken too many times.
He was the first one to break it.
Will fate give them a second chance?


When recently divorced Callie Stewart, an aspiring country music artist, confronts the dishonest talent agent who stole her new song, he turns the tables on her, and her world spins out of control. Without proof she composed the hit song, Callie is forced to take her twin boys with her, move out of Nashville and live with her aunt in Georgia. Having her dreams shattered leaves her trying to figure out how she will support her little family. Reconnecting with Ty Carter, her long-ago crush from high school and the guy who broke her heart, has her questioning her resolve to leave romance out of her new life. Ty isn't just a good-looking cowboy, he's sweet to her boys and makes Callie feel beautiful and alive. As her feelings for Ty grow stronger, the music reawakens inside her, inspiring her creativity and the desire to sing. Giving love a second chance might be the key to a forever love, and the start of a new music career...but can it be both?

Author's Note: This book originally appears as The Cowboy's Second Go, in the Big Sky Timeless Western Collection. Chasing Moonbeams features a never before published epilogue you won't want to miss! It also has been updated with added content that more closely ties into the Georgia Moon Romance series. 

   

My Review: 5 Stars

Anderson has a way of writing that brings a smile to my face. Her stories are sweet and swoony, hinge on a meet cute, and are marinated in humor--and this one is no different.

Callie has been wronged and is starting over back home as a single mom of twin boys. A man from her teenage past is now a part of her present and I love the ways they keep running into each other, but I especially enjoyed their first meeting after years. Adorable! Ty regrets his last interaction with Callie and I loved how he can man-up and admit his wrongs. 

The walks by the lake and porch swing talks, combined with the sparks that are still sparking like fireflies after all these years, added to the precocious twins made for an enchantingly sweet contemporary romance. I love Anderson's writing style and I really loved the way music played such a big part of the story. I found myself wishing I could hear these songs and go through the creative process with Callie. 

I'll say it again--adorable! I loved every minute of it.

Content: mild romance (swoony, kissing)

One Singing Bachelorette by Jennifer Youngblood {Review}

 One Singing Bachelorette (A Romeo Family Romance) by Jennifer Youngblood

Kindle Edition

Published October 1st 2020 

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

 

****

 

The Romeo Family Romance Series continues with Lexi Romeo’s story. This one is a crossover with the popular O'Brien family romance series.

It's not easy being a cousin to the illustrious Romeos and having to walk in their shadows. However, Lexi Romeo is holding her own. She's determined to make it as a singer and songwriter. A chance to become one of the hopeful bachelorettes on a TV reality series might just be her ticket to fame. However, one look into Asher O'Brien's piercing blue eyes, and her world is rocked ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

This is such a great family saga and it's no secret that I love a good reality TV type of story. What's extra fun about this one is that it's not only about finding love, it's about music.

Lexi definitely has talent and when a last minute spot opens up on the show, she manages to snag it with her family connections. It can't be easy being kind to catty women, but Lexi is such a sweet soul and manages to steal the show with this story. I was drooling over her culinary creations, cheering her on in love, and longing to hear her voice singing her songs. Bachelor Asher was completely dreamy and I loved how gentlemanly he was towards this cast of women and enjoyed watching all interactions unfold.

Although drama is expected in this type of story line, I was caught off guard by some of the happenings. I loved it, I hate it, I just couldn't look away, and I definitely wanted a few more romantic and emotional interactions. My world was rocked by this sweet and entertaining story.

Content: mild+ romance (kissing, near rape); mild religion

Moonlighting with the British Rock Star (A Georgia Moon Novel) by Cindy Roland Anderson {Review}

Moonlighting with the British Rock Star (A Georgia Moon Romance Book 4) by Cindy Roland Anderson

Kindle Edition, 262 pages

Published March 11th 2020 by Amazon.com Services LLC 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

        

She needs a temporary fiancé.

He needs a new image.

Nobody was supposed to fall in love.

Trying to get out of her evil stepsister’s engagement party, Josie claims to be secretly engaged and can’t make it home. But when the engagement party turns into a wedding, Josie only has a few days to find a fiancé or admit she was lying. Things get more complicated when her wealthy employer tries helping and brings home a temporary fiancé for Josie to take to the wedding.

There’s only one problem...

He’s Colin Wilde.

The British rock star with a bad rep looking to change his ways.

My Review: 5 Stars

Ms Anderson is the queen of meet cutes and this one didn't disappoint! Josie is like a modern-day Cinderella and when her boss (and fairy godmother) steps in and finds her a fiance to fulfill her claims of having one, her life suddenly gets very, very interesting.

Colin and Josie are super cute together and I love how they're in an arrangement that benefits them both and how they work hard to help the other one first. Colin is a rock star with a past, but just like any normal bloke, people can change and cast aside their old ways. This author does a great job of showing his demons and the battle they give him, allowing him to be human. Josie has her own issues and this engagement feeds her soul the strength she needs to blossom into her true self.

As with the other Georgia Moon Romances, the swoon abounds and the sparks fly liberally. I couldn't get enough of the luscious kisses between these relatable and likable characters. This book was a true delight to escape into and I'm completely satisfied, especially with that perfect ending. And PS--I need Rescued to be a real song, like ASAP.

Content: mild+ romance (kissing, some innuendo)

The Last Shot (Love in Chaos #3) by Amy Matayo {Review}

The Last Shot (A Love in Chaos Novel) by Amy Matayo

Kindle Edition

Publication: January 14th 2020 by SYG Productions 

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

 

    

 

It’s the same routine every night, and country music superstar Teddy Hayes wouldn’t have it any other way.

7:00 pm: Arena doors open and fans fill the stands.
7:45 pm: Lights go out and spotlights come on.
7:46 pm: Energy from concert-goers reaches an ear-spitting crescendo.
7:47 pm: Teddy takes the stage and begins to sing.

But tonight, something is off.

It starts when a stage light malfunctions and sends sparks into the air.
It continues when his drummer stops playing and stares slack-jawed in Teddy’s direction.
It dawns on him when a fan doubles-over and a red stain spreads across her shirt.
Something isn’t just off tonight.

Someone in the crowd is shooting a gun.

And it’s up to a female bodyguard he’s never met before to save his life.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Being a superstar isn't always all it's cracked up to be. Amy Matayo has a talent for bringing characters and situations to life in a real and raw way that completely plays on all the emotions. I've been curious about country star Teddy for a few books now and his story rocked my world. It literally starts out with a bang and gave me chills. I was so drawn in and immersed in this chilling tale and although I didn't want to put it down, I had to take a break because I felt just as shattered as the characters. Luckily, I could take a small break because they sure couldn't. 

 

What threw me for a loop was that although the other books in the Love in Chaos series could happen, the events in this book really do happen and way too often nowadays. It was alarming and this author, in a fashion true to her writing style, expressed the thoughts, feelings, and coping processes of both Teddy and Jane in the most realistic way that left me reeling and stunned.

 

Of course, there is a romance smoldering in the ashes of tragedy, and that budding tangent was exactly perfect and gave me lots of hope. This story pierced my heart and soul and left me gathering up my broken pieces long after I finished the last page.

  

Content: mild romance; mild+ language; mild+ violence  

The Holiday Hunting Lodge by Jennifer Griffith {Review}

The Holiday Hunting Lodge by Jennifer Griffith

Kindle Edition

Published 2019 

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

 

    

 

Snow, a hunting lodge, and a flight—both to and from—love.

Music composer Jesse Parrish has a dream contract! He’s been signed to write the soundtrack for a film with award potential. This one job could make his whole career. Twelve themes, all due to the producer at Christmas—but he’s completely blocked. He doesn’t have a single theme, let alone twelve.

He needs to get out of Vancouver and somewhere he can think.

Aspiring private pilot Mattie Daines has been crushing on Jesse since before he started dating Mattie’s older sister. His music makes her heart sing—but what kind of creep-o falls in love with her sister’s boyfriend? That’s half the reason she’s been working as an outdoors guide anywhere but Vancouver for the past couple of years.

When Mattie hears that Jesse is desperate for a private plane to take him to a friend’s mountain lodge, she leaps at the chance, if only to prove that she can be around him without her knees going weak.

Mattie whisks Jesse off to the mountains in her plane, but when bad weather threatens the flight, will this dangerous plane ride also threaten Mattie’s firm resolve not to let feelings for Jesse back into her life?

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I'm passionate about music and loved the role it played in this story. I wish I could hear the music that Jesse composed, especially as he was inspired by nature and Mattie. 

 

One thing that I love about this author's books are the metaphors and similes that she uses. They make me smile and when added to the sweet, slightly intense, romance, my heart sang. I wish I could hear the music that Jesse composed because he was intense, focused, and so talented. 

Mattie and Jesse have a somewhat complicated past, but I loved the chemistry that oozes throughout the pages and songs. This is a great holiday romance with some great feels and kisses in the most romantic setting ever.

Content: mild romance

Heart Thief (A Love Under Wraps Novel) by Taylor Dean {Review}

Heart Thief (A Love Under Wraps Novel) by Taylor Dean

Paperback, 295 pages

Publication: November 1st 2019 by Taylor Dean Books

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

   

I was warned about him. I should’ve listened. But I didn’t.

Of course, I also thought Ryker Martel was about to propose. He didn’t.

I was ready to say yes. He was ready to wait a little longer.

Now he’s out of the country on an extended business trip and I’m staying in his penthouse apartment with seeds of disillusionment taking over my soul. Ryker reminded me that his estranged brother might show up out of the blue at his penthouse. He told me to let him know right away if he did. He’d take care of it.

His brother is bad news. The rebel, the black sheep of the family. “Don’t trust him,” Ryker said. “Stay as far away from him as possible. He’s a thief, a snake.”

Warning duly noted. And ignored.

I considered myself equipped to handle whatever was thrown my way. I was wrong. Nothing prepared me for Zane and the havoc he would wreak in my life—and in my heart. He turned me upside down and knocked me sideways. Falling for the other brother is never a good idea. Keeping it a secret, even worse. Especially when he proves to be the thief he was purported to be.

My heart will never be mine again and I want it back. But it has been stolen and I’ll never be the same.

Never.

A stand-alone novel from the LOVE UNDER WRAPS series.

My Review: 5 Stars

I'm in love and I don't care who knows it! This is a favorite and my heart was completely stolen with this swoony romance Mila is a professional pianist and her boyfriend, Ryker, asks her to be caretaker to his penthouse while he's out of the country on business. But when his estranged brother, Zane, shows up, all bets are off. 

Zane and Mila fit together and complement each other like a hand to a glove and like peanut butter and chocolate. I love how real Zane is and how he subtly starts carving his way into the center of Mila's heart. Whereas Ryker is only falling, Zane is already there. His adoration, passion, and genuine care and concern won me over from the get-go. 

There's something about a forbidden and secret romance that adds an element of excitement and fuels an already combustible chemistry to high swoon levels. Taylor Dean writes a magical escape that captivated me from start to finish with its charm. I absolutely adored these characters and lived vicariously through them from China Town to Jeopardy to Lucky Charms. I'm still swooning over here.



Content: mild+ swoony romance (kissing, some light innuendo)

 
Don't miss the other titles in the Love Under Wraps stand-alone series:

December 2019
Rules are Made to be Broken
by Mylissa Demeyere

January 2020
A Wrinkle in Forever
by Charissa Stastny

Silver Star by Lisa Swinton {Review}

Silver Star by Lisa Swinton

Kindle Edition, 306 pages

Published May 1st 2018 

Source: I won a copy in a giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Her cowboy might just be another broken-heart ballad waiting to happen…

Country superstar Sara Silver has it all: fame, fortune, and a mantel full of Grammys. She also has a string of chart-topping heartbreak songs to go with them—all based on her miserable love life. Now her manager says Sara doesn’t sing with the heart she used to. If she doesn’t come up with another hit album soon, then her label will move on to the next big thing.

Sara heads to a ranch in Wyoming to get back to her country roots and rediscover herself. To keep the press away, she hides her identity and is determined to let nothing distract her. Then she meets Cal: tall, brooding, and all cowboy. Sara falls for Cal and the quiet ranch life, but with each song she writes her time there draws to a close.

Sara will have to choose between the country stars of Nashville or the glittering stars of a Wyoming sky…unless she can find a way to have both.  

My Review: 5 Stars

I have always loved music and I love how it touches my soul. One thing I wish I could do is write songs. That would be so awesome to be able to sit down and come up with something that inspiring, but alas, that is not one of my talents. I want to hear Sara's new songs!

Sara is a character that really resonated with me and came alive. It's no secret that I love a darling celebrity story and it's my favorite when that person is "normal," especially when they are able to go back to their roots and humble themselves and that's exactly what happened with Sara. 

Who knew a ranch in Wyoming could be so refreshing and could be just the think to stimulate those creative juices again? I'm about ready to sign up to be a towner at a ranch like this one. The setting was tangible and I love the slow, simmering burn of a new relationship. In fact, I loved many of the relationships in this book, but of course, the romantic one always takes the cake for me.

Sara and Cal both have massive heartaches and big choices to make. These touches of sadness were important parts of the story, but didn't drag it down to the depths of depression. The overall feeling of this book is total satisfaction. I would love to see books about Sara's brothers.

Content: mild romance; a few moments of mild peril

Pretty Much Perfect by Sally Johnson {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Pretty Much Perfect by Sally Johnson

Paperback, 272 pages

Publication: July 2nd 2018 by Covenant Communications 

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

   

Camille Weston, a recently returned missionary, anticipates returning to college for her degree and perhaps to meet a nice guy. A sensible young woman with her future mapped out, Camille would never do something dangerous—like pick up a stranger on the side of the road. And yet, inexplicably, she does just that. This is one split-second decision that changes everything.

Determined to lend assistance, Camille gets more than she bargains for when she is roped into helping Liam, a handsome British man, with more than just a ride. As they are thrown together over the coming days and their mutual attraction grows, they realize they just . . . click. That is, until she makes a shocking discovery: the mysterious stranger is William Liam Jones, lead singer of the popular band Gear. Camille has never been one to swoon over a celebrity, and she knows her and Liam's lifestyles could never be compatible. But how can she convince her heart to listen to logic?

My Review: 4.5 Stars

This book is, well, pretty much perfect. I think most girls dream of meeting their celebrity crush and having said guy fall for them, but in this case, Camille doesn't even know who it is she's crushing on. I've often wondered if I were to actually meet a celebrity, how I would act and how I would treat them. I can't even imagine not having any privacy and living the life of fame and fortune, and it's not surprising when Liam jumps at the chance to be "normal" for a few days.

Camille has a pretty good idea of what she wants in life and refuses to veer from her life path, but we can't always control things. I love the personal growth Camille goes through, and I especially loved the relationship she has with her sister and parents and the wise advice she gets from them.

Liam is adorable! He doesn't understand the ways of Mormon life, but is respectful and willing to learn when situations arise. I love a good celebrity who is selfless and kind--no big heads for me--and he's utterly charming. Their banter warmed my heart.

One of my favorite things was the songs these two came up with--I wish I could hear Gear in real life...or at least on the radio.

This story is sweet and slightly messy, but it's as satisfying as an ooey, gooey, S'more.

Content: mild romance with some light innuendoes; some vague drug and alcohol use; mild violence; moderate religious elements.

Schedule:

*July 9^th: http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*July 10^th: https://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/

*July 11^th: http://fireandicereads.com/, http://empowermoms.net/

*July 12^th: https://brightlystreet.com/category/book-reviews/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/adults, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

*July 13^th: http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/, http://brooklynberrydesigns.com/category/book-shelf/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/
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Love Notes in Christmas Falls by Beth Labonte {Review}

Love Notes in Christmas Falls 
(Return To Christmas Falls * Book 6)
by Beth Labonte

Kindle Edition, 135 pages

Publication: October 23rd 2017 

 

 

When Caitlin Cook left the small town of Christmas Falls, Tennessee to attend Harvard University, she left behind the burden of her parents' slowly increasing hoard of antiques, a much younger brother, and Shane Mitchell--the boy who blindsided her with the news that he loved her on the night before she left.

Shane Mitchell spent his high school years fascinated by Caitlin Cook. The quiet flute player with her nose always in a book, he wanted desperately to find out what made her tick.

Eight years later, Caitlin returns to Christmas Falls--unemployed and newly single--after receiving a devastating letter from her beloved high school mentor. Caitlin is shocked to find her childhood home in disarray, and her little brother in desperate need of his sister. With Shane's help--now a pillar of the community rather than the carefree teenager Caitlin once knew--she begins to rediscover her love for music, antiques, and possibly even Shane. When faced with the choice of rebuilding her life in Boston, or giving love a second chance in Christmas Falls, will Caitlin be able to decide on the true meaning of home?

Seven fabulous authors bring you this holiday romance series about a group of special friends returning to their hometown at the request of their high school mentor. Each book is a standalone, but read them all to fully enjoy the journey of these remarkable women and their emotional reunion with their mentor, an incredible woman who changes their lives and helps save a small town community forever.

 

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My Review: 5 Stars

 

I really want to know how to become an honorary member of this group of seven. The more of these books that I read, the more that I want to be a part of them. I'm feeling left out!

 

Caitlin has had some hard times, but she is very driven, especially as she tries to discover who she is deep down and what will really make her happy in life. Her parents situation was a little alarming and the way she deals with their circumstances and helps them is heartening. I love how she's willing to make changes in her life when she steps back to carefully observe and analyze.

Shane really does have a heart of gold underneath his jokes and charm. It's like he tries to hide that creamy, nougat center, and he definitely doesn't flaunt it, but rather tries to distract others from seeing it. The sparks immediately reignite as Caitlin and Shane banter, while they tentatively explore rekindling their friendship. I loved the romance--the sparks almost leapt off of the pages a few times. Just imagine--all of this started with just a simple question.

 

I haven't ever read anything by this author before, but I loved her style and the creation of these great characters. The story is full of decisions to be made and the emotion behind the choices is tangible. There is a nostalgic feel that is lightly threaded throughout the book, which is consistent with a small-town story. I love how each of these girls (so far) does something to make things better than they were before the girls came back to town.

Content:  mild romance (swoony kissing, mild innuendo); one instance of underage drinking.

*I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions.*

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Buy Link:

 

 

The Glamorous One by Jeanette Lewis {Review}

The Glamorous One (A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance) by Jeanette Lewis

Kindle Edition, 175 pages

Published February 21st 2017 

 

 

As the lead singer of a popular indie rock band, Kynley Salvatici is living her dreams. And now that the band is about to sign a recording contract, she’s on the brink of unimagined fame and wealth. So what if the rock star lifestyle isn’t quite as glamorous as she’d expected? A big dream demands big sacrifices, right?

But when she falls for sexy Dalton Parker, fellow musician and dreamer, Kynley fears that fame might require the biggest sacrifice of all … love.

 

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My Review: 5 Stars

 

There's something about fame and fortune that's attractive, but it always comes at a price and Ms. Lewis does a great job of portraying the hardships of being a rock star. I love the connection Kynley still has to her roots, but that lure is strong. A tantrum from a band member throws Dalton, Kynley's friend's brother, into the spotlight, and the chemistry that sprouts between these two is palpable, leaping off the pages. 

 

The style and plot were very intriguing to me and I couldn't fly through the pages fast enough, yet I didn't want it to end either. And can I just say? I totally want to here this band's music! I love the descriptions of the songs and style (both music and fashion) and could totally picture it.

 

This has been such a fun series and I loved reading about yet another girl from camp. I love the twists that are put into each story and really enjoyed this one from start to finish.

 

Content: mild romance

 

*I received a complimentary copy, which did not affect my thoughts in any way. All opinions are my own.*  

 

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Buy Link:

 

 

The Whys Have It by Amy Matayo {Review}

The Whys Have It by Amy Matayo

Expected publication: June 20th 2017 by SYG Productions

"His music holds the heart of America...but his soul holds a terrible secret."

Chart topping pop musician Cory Minor has it all—fame, money, more women at his disposal than time to spend on them. He’s living the life most American men only dream of. Until an ordinary concert in Springfield threatens to destroy everything he’s worked for. 



As he and his band leave the arena for his next show, Cory’s tour bus crashes into two teenage girls, killing one girl instantly and leaving the other barely clinging to life. Lawsuits are threatened, tabloids are talking, and Cory’s idyllic world falls apart. But what no one knows is that this scene is all too familiar. Because this isn’t the first accident Cory has caused. This isn’t the first time he’s destroyed someone else’s life to save his own.
It’s just the first time he’s had to face it head on. 


Small town girl Samantha Dalton has no one—no mother, no father, and now no sister. She’s lost everything in a world that celebrates excess. So when Cory Minor shows up at her doorstep offering money and apologies, she turns him away too. You can’t lose what you don’t have, and she can’t take another letdown, especially not from someone who has managed to rip away all she had left. Samantha has been fine on her own for years, she’ll be fine now too. 



At least that’s what she tells herself. 


But Cory won’t leave. He’s persistent in the worst possible way. 


Will Cory’s determination to make things right pay off in the end, or will Sam keep pushing him away until there’s nothing left to fight for? How can two people learn to rely on each other when life keeps hurting them both?  

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My Review: 5 Stars

I know I'm weird, haha. I don't cry easily, especially in books, but this story ripped my heart out and stomped on it, before gradually restoring it. My emotions were all over the place....and I loved every single minute of this hauntingly beautiful book. 

There's something about a music star befriending a small town girl, but that's just what happens and in a most unconventional way. The story is told from two points of view--Cory's and Sam's--and it's done in a way that isn't confusing at all. In fact, I felt a very deep connection to both characters by digging deep into their issues, their lives, their feelings, and their reasons why. 

This author has a fantastic way of writing--an absolutely phenomenal skill using words to spin a web around a reader's heart and soul that isn't easy to break away from...not that I really wanted to. The words are practically poetry that speaks on deep levels and I just couldn't stop reading.

It seems that summertime is the perfect time for a heart wrenching novel and I daresay, this is the novel of Summer 2017. Break out that box of tissues and buckle in for laughs, tears, love, and forgiveness.

Content: mild romance (some innuendo, implied hookups, vague abuse/rape); mild violence (death, abuse); mild language.

*I was provided a copy of this book by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.*

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Pre-Order/Buy Link:

 

About the Author:

 

Amy Matayo is an award winning author of The Wedding Game, Love Gone Wild, Sway, In Tune With Love, A Painted Summer, and The End of the World. She graduated with barely passing grades from John Brown University with a degree in Journalism. But don't feel sorry for her--she's super proud of that degree and all the ways she hasn't put it to good use.

She laughs often, cries easily, feels deeply, and loves hard. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and four kids and is working on her next novel.

www.amymatayo
Twitter: @amymatayo
Instagram: @amymatayo.author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymatayo

 

Beck & Call (Pianos & Promises #2) by Jennifer Peel {Review}

Beck & Call (Pianos & Promises #2) by Jennifer Peel

Kindle Edition, 125 pages

Expected publication: September 20th 2016

What happens when a dashing Englishman and an almost famous pianist collide? Sparks. And lots of them.

Call’s life always seems to be on the cusp of working out, only to unravel at the last moment. For instance, when she meets the guy. The man she’s been fantasizing about from afar. The one who walks his beautiful Siberian husky around her neighborhood. Their first meeting is nothing like she hoped; in fact, she wishes she never met him.

Charles Beckett is in need of a good dog-sitter, but he gets more than he bargained for when a cheeky American bartender shows up at his house fifteen minutes late. The job interview quickly turns into a sparring match and Call leaves vowing to run him over with her truck the next time she sees him.

It’s up to their dogs now to bring the pair together.

Will Call finally have one of her dreams come true? Or will the Englishman be another checkmark in her long list of unrealized promises?

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My Review: 5 Stars

I know that Jennifer Peel can write, but I didn't realize that she's a magician, too--not until I read this book! There are so many moments where magic happens...and it all happens with the way she uses words. I was laughing, smiling, and swooning--in just 125 pages--which is very magical indeed. My heart was singing right along with Call.

Call is raising her younger brother and working two jobs to make ends meet. How many girls in their mid-20s would do that? She's very selfless, sweet, and loving, but boy, oh, boy--she has a sassy and spunky streak that really spices up the story. Beck is a Brit and that accent could melt the paint off a wall. I could totally picture his words in my mind and adored him even more for it. He's a total swoony hero and I grew to love him as the story progressed, as first impressions weren't exactly favorable.

One of my favorite things about this series is how they're each told in first person. I honestly feel like I'm sitting down with a good friend, getting caught up on her life, cheering her on, and giving her advice (if only in my head). It's so easy to understand and connect with the characters this way.

I love the dog interactions and of course, I'm a little partial to Toby, because my little furball is named Toby, too. There are so many sweet moments that are bound together by these pets and I adored them.

All in all, this was the perfect way to spend my morning and I'm so sad it's over with! I'm looking forward to the next book, as usual. Carry on, pip pip, cheerio!

Content: some mild language; very brief religious reference (mainly due to Christmas); mild, spicy, clean romance (kissing, some light innuendo). Clean!

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

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Review: Falling for Rayne (Love and Flowers Trilogy Book 1) by Shannon Guymon

Falling for Rayne: Book 1 in the Love and Flowers Trilogy by Shannon Guymon
2014, 253 pages, Clean Contemporary Adult Romance
My Rating: 5 Stars

Description: Garrett Murphy is used to rejection. As a child, he was rejected by his mother and as a man he was rejected by Jane Kendall. Going without love has turned Garrett into a man who doesn't trust in a woman's heart. So when he meets Rayne Nyman, she's too good to be true. She's beautiful, talented and sweet. She also happens to be a world renowned pianist. He knows there's no way she'd ever want to stay in Fircest with him when she could be living the life she was born to. Rayne is determined to prove him wrong and show him that love can be forever but when she comes under fire and her life is put in danger,she might not have the chance.

 

My Review: I fell in love with these characters right off the bat. We see Garrett in the Love and Dessert trilogy and he kind of seemed like a jerk then, but now? He's a big sweetheart. It just goes to show that there is someone for everyone and love can soften the toughest man.

I felt sorry for Rayne. She's rich, she's a famous concert pianist, and she's beautiful, but she's had a very sheltered and controlled life. Now that her parents are dead, she can live the life she wants to live--but she's also living a life in danger. She believes that her parents were murdered and someone seems to be after her.

Rayne is a likable character--one who finds joy in the journey and in the little things. I love how she's learning to be spontaneous and really comes into her true self. I also enjoyed getting to know her younger sister and their body guard. I can tell this is going to be a great trilogy! Garrett is a war vet and is fiercely protective of those he cares about. I love how he's very traditional, yet he's also in tune with his gut and what he needs to do. He's a funny guy and a manly man--just completely adorable. 

This is a sweet, darling romance with some action and mystery included and I'm looking forward to the next book!

Content: mild romance (kissing); no language; mild religious elements; mild-moderate violence (beatings, attempted murder, shooting--no graphic details). Clean!

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About the Author:

 
In the fourth grade, Shannon Guymon wandered into the school library and figuratively never came out again. She decided one day to take her love affair with the written word once step further and wrote her first novel, Never Letting Go of Hope.
Shannon grew up all across the United States but has finally found her home in Utah, where she lives with her six children. She enjoys the mountains, gardening, being with her family, and, of course, writing. 

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Review: Hurricane Coltrane by Taya Okerlund

Hurricane Coltrane by Taya Okerlund

Paperback, 250 pages

Expected publication: April 28th 2015 by WiDo Publishing (first published April 18th 2015)  

Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Description: Merrill Hinton is a lightning rod in a town named for bad weather. He's an ace in math, but not smart enough to put together the pieces of his puzzling life, especially where finding his unknown father is concerned.

Musical genius Robbie Stubbs was born in nearby polygamist compound Colorado City. He has the chops to become another John Coltrane, but that will take running away from home, and into a firestorm of controversy--the kind his friend Merrill knows best.

Merrill sets Robbie onto a course that could rocket them both onto center stage, but being the focus of wide public attention will create serious issues. Robbie’s mother is not well, and the shock of her son breaking the family rules like this may put her over the edge.

And Merrill Hinton? His precarious future would become compromised in ways he doesn't yet realize.

My Review:  Merrill is an extremely smart high school student, but he doesn't do well socially. He doesn't know his dad, has a mom who is a big activist and helps rescue polygamous victims, and a sweet grandma who tells him how it is. He's trying to figure out who he is and what he wants to do with his life. A random meeting with Robbie, a boy from the nearby polygamist compound, changes Merrill's life. Robbie is a genius when it comes to music and will do almost anything to succeed, even giving up his family. 

Merrill and Robbie are so similar, yet so different. They come from different worlds, but they both show a lot of bravery and strength. I love Merrill's grandma--she is so accepting and loves those around her unconditionally. 

I love the unlikely friendship that forms when decisions are made and opportunities are taken to embark on this road to growing up. I'm still trying to figure out exactly how I feel after reading this. I was excited, nervous, and happy for these boys, yet my heart was wrenched in places and I felt emotionally drained. There were a few parts that I wish had been fleshed out just a little more, but overall, this was a great journey with well-written characters and a fantastic setting.

Content: mild language (a few mild words); mild religious elements (one boy is a Mormon and one is FLDS, but not much religion is discussed, aside from a few morals each has--definitely not preachy); very mild romance (very brief mention of an unwed mother, crushes); very mild violence (brief mention of abuse).

About the Author:
Some people think writers are born, not made. I don't belong to that school. I wasn't a born author, though I'm willing to concede there may be some who are. I think they are the minority though. As I say, I don't have the special birth rite to the land of creative inspiration, but I have been there. What a thrill that was.

When Hurricane Coltrane came to me, it moved in like the storm it was named for and opened up such a creative fury it was difficult to collect. It's been a lot of hard work since then and I've loved it!

I grew up all over the United States, and studied in East Asia, though my roots reach deep into the Southern Utah desert where most of my family members still live. I currently hale from the San Francisco Peninsula with my story-adoring husband and daughter who keep me busy and inspired.

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