Kings Crossed Lovers by Donna K Weaver {Review}

Kings Crossed Lovers (A Destined For Love Romance: Resorts) by Donna K. Weaver

ebook

Publication: May 31st 2018 by Emerald Arch Publishing 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and not influenced by this in any way.

 

  

 

Ethan Walters has no time for distractions like romance. Not if he's going to have the brilliant medical career he's always dreamed of. But when he's given a trip to a theme park resort as a college graduation present, he can't exactly say no. Even if Samantha—the one girl with the power to dismantle his goals—is tagging along.

Samantha Diederik has managed to avoid her high society mother’s manipulations since the woman moved to Europe. Now she’s back and pressuring Sam to move to New York with her. With that battle on the horizon, Sam proceeds to go on vacation with her brother and his roommate. She’s crushed on Ethan for years. They've only met online, but their hours-long conversations are the highlight of her week. Now she has a chance to find out if the cyber magic she's felt with him will translate to real life.

And wow, does it ever—with sparks flying! Now all she has to do is find a way to fight off her mother's machinations while convincing Ethan she won’t destroy his dreams.

 

My Review: 3.5 Stars

 

An author just barely asked the question on Facebook if anyone has ever read a series out of order and I replied that I have--just not on purpose. This book is one of those cases. I haven't read the other books in the series yet and at times, I was wishing that I had so that I understood the characters and their relationships a little better, and at others, I felt like I had enough to go on, especially for the characters on hand. 

 

Ethan just graduated from college and is off on a dream trip--to visit the Ross Hughes theme park with his best friend, Rafe, and Rafe's step-sister. In an obvious attempt to re-create the Harry Potter mania that still exists, the author presents Ross Hughes and his "world," which is a spoof of all things Potter. I thought that aspect was fun, especially because this common geekdom brought Ethan and Sam even closer, but the story vacillates between carefree fun and romance, and burdensome family drama and responsibilities, which bogged it down a little for me. I can understand the hesitation of making a big decision that will affect the future, but there is a lot of wishy-washy feelings on both sides that was a little frustrating. I'm sure it would have been more clear, had I read the other books first to complete the picture. 

 

That aside, I thought the chemistry and starry eyes were a lot of fun and I really enjoyed the setting. I loved the clever ways the HP theme was slightly changed and the excitement over being in this park was contagious. That ending though--super cute!

Content: mild romance; one character was manipulated by her mother, which led to self-harm (not graphically described, but may be hard for those dealing with similar issues to read about)

If the Suit Fits by Sally Johnson {Review}

If the Suit Fits (A Destined for Love Romance: Resorts) by Sally Johnson

Paperback

Published May 28th 2018 by Pink Bloom Publishing 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and are not compensated in any way.

 

  

 

Finding love at the amusement park can be quite a ride.

Becky Perkins has lost her job, her lease, and her car. As a result, she moves back in with her parents and takes the only job she can find: a seasonal position at the local amusement park as a sign spinner. Unfortunately, it includes wearing a foam hot-dog suit.

When she crashes into fellow park employee Hudson Lowell, on her first day, suddenly the job doesn’t seem so bad.

Actuary Hudson Lowell feels the weight of the world on his shoulders with this assignment. The Gainesville Amusement Park has been struggling for years. It’s his responsibility to advise the owners as to the viability of the park. Going into the deal, the solution seems pretty simple—until he meets Becky.

The more time Becky and Hudson spend together, the more their feelings grow, making it harder and harder for Hudson to be objective about his decision. If the park closes, it will impact the whole town and directly hurt Becky. And how can he hurt the woman he has fallen for?

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

Bad Luck Becky is about the have the summer of all summers--working as a dancing hot dog at a local amusement park. But her luck starts to change when she meets Hudson, a fellow employee. I don't think I could do the type of work that Becky does, no matter how hard-pressed I was for work, which just goes to show how admirable she is--she'll do what it takes to make a buck. She also comes across as a character who is comfortable in her own skin, even through her awkwardness. But she does have a stubbornly loyal streak and that causes some issues.

 

Hudson is a very likable guy and I love that he tries hard to carve his own pathway in life, instead of riding on coattails. Chrissy, Becky's "boss" at the hot dog truck, is a very sweet and fun girl and I love the encouragement she offers to Becky.

 

Overall, this is a fun story in a unique setting. There are so many quirky situations that really makes this one stand out--signing wavers, caramel apples, tanks, mopeds, angsty teenage brothers with a hot rod car, and lots of hot dogs, to name a few. I only wish the romance was a tiny bit deeper and more reader-connected, but I still enjoyed my time at the Gainesville Amusement Park!

 

Content: mild romance

Her Big Fat Dreamy Billionaire Ex by Victorine Lieske {Review}

Her Big Fat Dreamy Billionaire Ex 
by Victorine E. Lieske

Kindle Edition

Published May 22nd 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

  

 

Felicity should have suspected something when she got hired to take pictures at a resort in Belize, all expenses paid. When she arrives and bumps into her ex-fiancé, Aiden, she realizes she’s been set up. His grandmother is playing matchmaker and every time she turns around Grams is forcing Aiden and her together. But she can’t fall for him again, it was a disaster last time, and she doesn’t want to repeat the past. 

Aiden can’t believe Felicity is at his resort. She broke his heart five years ago, and he’s determined not to allow it to happen again. But one disaster after another keeps forcing them together and he’s sure Grams is behind all of it. He’s just not sure how long he can hold out without pulling Felicity into his arms and confessing that he never really got over her.

Her Big Fat Dreamy Billionaire Ex is a sweet romance, and it is a stand-alone novel. 

My Review: 5 Stars

This Destined For Love Romance: Resorts series is making me add places to my bucket list like crazy and now Belize is at the top. Not only is there a second chance romance looming at this resort, but the lush, tropical location is to die for.


The characters are fascinating and lovable: Grams is a meddler, to be sure, but she's pure in her matchmaking intentions and in hilarious ways; then there's Felicity, who has trust issues; and finally, Aiden, a good and wholesome workaholic. The whole reason for the breakup was tragic, but meant to be, since both characters obviously had some growing to do.

I fell in love with the whole plot and story line, even with the drama that unfolded. The romance was very realistic--hesitant, yet undeniable; tentative, yet swoony. And so much fun. If you love a sweet romance in a tropical location with very real characters, be sure to check this one out.

Content: mild, swoony romance

Also part of the Destined for Love: Resorts collection:
— Matched by Design by Lindzee Armstrong
— Keep Me At Christmas by Lucinda Whitney
— Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel
— The Trust of a Billionaire by Michelle Pennington
— Marrying an Athlete by Anne-Marie Meyer
— Her Big Fat Dreamy Billionaire Ex by Victorine E. Lieske
— If the Suit Fits by Sally Johnson
— Kings Crossed Lovers by Donna K. Weaver

Marrying an Athlete by Anne-Marie Meyer {Review}

Marrying an Athlete by Anne-Marie Meyer
Published: May 15, 2018
Source: I received a copy, which had no influence on my opinions

 

Anna Short’s life has been in a slump ever since her boss and boyfriend—who happened to be the same person—dumped her. Now forced to work at a coffee shop, she's pretty sure her life can't go any lower. Enter Michael: her best friend McKenna’s older brother and life-long crush.

Michael Jones is the life of the party. As a Defenseman for the New York Rangers, he's always had his pick of women and friends. When he mistakenly proposes to the Mayor's daughter at a party one night, he hightails it out of New York before the media storm hits. He drives to McKenna’s house where he finds her in emotional shambles. Grateful for the distraction her problems give him, he jumps head first into finding a solution.

When McKenna begs them to fake a marriage so they can go with her to a counseling resort designed to help fix her failing one, Anna and Michael agree. After all, the drunken kiss they shared two years ago was definitely in the past. But when they decide to make it their mission to bring McKenna and her husband together, they begin to realize just how good of a team they really are.

My Review: 5 Stars

What a darling story! One of my favorite tropes is a fake marriage and this one is extra special because of the past that Michael and Anna share. Michael is Anna's best friend's older brother, which is another favorite theme of mine. Could it get any better than this?!

What really sets this book apart is the fact that it's set on Bora Bora at a marriage counseling resort. In an effort to help their friend/sister, they agree to a fake marriage and the sparks instantly fly! I almost melted into a puddle a few different times. Being with a guy like Michael, past or no past, would intimate the socks off of me. He's very charismatic, sweet, and good-looking, but a total playboy, while Anna is so darling, innocent, and trusting.

I've been on a tropical kick lately and can't get enough of the warm, sunny beaches, but when a sweet romance is in the mix, you'd better believe that I couldn't put it down. Between the swoon that fairly leaps off the pages and the unreal blue water and white, powdery sand, the alternating insecurities and confidence of Michael and Anna, life is brought to these characters. They are delightfully flawed and I did not want it to end.

Content: mild+ swoony romance, some innuendo

Also part of the Destined for Love: Resorts collection:
— Matched by Design by Lindzee Armstrong
— Keep Me At Christmas by Lucinda Whitney
— Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel
— The Trust of a Billionaire by Michelle Pennington
— Marrying an Athlete by Anne-Marie Meyer
— Her Big Fat Dreamy Billionaire Ex by Victorine E. Lieske
— If the Suit Fits by Sally Johnson
— Kings Crossed Lovers by Donna K. Weaver

The Trust of a Billionaire by Michelle Pennington {Review}

The Trust of a Billionaire (A Southern Billionaire Romance; A Destined for Love Resorts Romance)
by Michelle Pennington
Source: I received a copy, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions

  

Hannah Rhodes is determined to keep her beachfront property, even though she can’t afford to. But it’s her childhood home and she can’t bear to see it plowed down by the billionaire investor who keeps raising his offer to buy it. When the same man hires her to be his daughter’s nanny—providing her the income she needs to reject his offer—the irony is not lost on her. However, seeing him as a loving, worried father makes it difficult to enjoy her secret revenge.

For Carter Ellis, building his own resort was a massive risk, but worth it to build a new life for his daughter away from his controlling mother. Everything is going to plan except that the owner of the tumbled-down home blocking his resort view and threatening its success refuses to sell. If only his new nanny would stop distracting him, he just might be able to figure out how to solve this problem. Not only is she beautiful and vibrant, she’s helping his daughter bloom. Just when he begins to give in to his feelings, he discovers who she really is.

When their trust is shaken, will Carter and Hannah sacrifice what they wanted most for a chance at something more?

My Review: 5 Stars

There is a lot to love with this story and Destin, Florida is now on my list of places to visit. Having just returned from a trip to Tampa, I could visualize pretty well the gorgeous setting, and could almost feel the sea breeze blowing through my hair. Add to that the spunky characters and sweet romance, and it was a picture perfect read.  

Carter owns a resort and is determined to get rid of the house next door. Hannah's sister owns the home and she lives there. When she is hired as a babysitter for Carter's adorable daughter, sparks fly--in more ways than one. 

Opposites really can attract and this book is such a fun reminder of that. From Hannah's ridiculous, but cute nicknames, to the tender wish bracelets, to the irresistible swoony sparks, this book captured me and I couldn't put it down. 

I especially loved the characters and Hannah was at the root of it all. Her ability to draw Addi out and help her to blossom into a normal six year old was heartwarming; the way she was able to stabilize Carter was sweet; and the way she handled an overbearing mother and a stressful decision was admirable. 

Content: mild romance

Current books in the Southern Billionaire Romance series:- Book 1- The Trouble with Billionaires
- Book 2- The Truth about Billionaires
- Book 3 - The Trust of a Billionaire (available May 10th, also part of the Destined for Love: Resorts collection)

Also part of the Destined for Love: Resorts collection:— Matched by Design by Lindzee Armstrong
— Kiss Me at Midnight by Lucinda Whitney
— Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel
— The Trust of a Billionaire by Michelle Pennington
— Marrying an Athlete by Anne-Marie Meyer
— Her Big Fat Dreamy Billionaire Ex by Victorine E. Lieske
— If the Suit Fits by Sally Johnson
— Kings Crossed Lovers by Donna K. Weaver

Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel {Review}

Second Chance in Paradise (A Destined for Love Romance) by Jennifer Peel
Source: I received a copy, which did not influence my opinion in any way

 

A first love that deserves a second chance.

Doctoral student Holland Reeves may have aced every class she’s ever taken, but when it comes to life outside her lab, she finds she has more meaningful relationships with test tubes and pipettes than she does with people. That all changes when a surprise wedding invitation arrives, forcing her to return to the small coastal town of Paradise and the Clairborne Resort, where she left her first dream of being Mrs. Clairborne to begin the dream of becoming Dr. Reeves. There she must face her past and, to her surprise, the only man she ever loved, Porter Clairborne, the prodigal son who has unexpectedly returned.

Together, Holland and Porter must decide if their love deserves a second chance, and if Paradise will finally live up to its name or forever remain a town of broken dreams.
Also part of the Destined for Love: Resorts collection:
— Matched by Design by Lindzee Armstrong
— Keep Me At Christmas by Lucinda Whitney
— Second Chance in Paradise by Jennifer Peel
— The Trust of a Billionaire by Michelle Pennington
— Marrying an Athlete by Anne-Marie Meyer
— Her Big Fat Dreamy Billionaire Ex by Victorine E. Lieske
— If the Suit Fits by Sally Johnson
— Kings Crossed Lovers by Donna K. Weaver 

My Review: 5 Stars

Jennifer Peel always delivers a beautifully emotional story with perfectly imperfect characters. I loved Holland and Porter's story, which is a Cinderella tale, of sorts.

Growing up, Holland didn't have much of a family and never really felt that much-needed love. Working at an Alabama resort gave her Porter, the owner's son, but she lost him. If anyone deserves a second chance at love, it's this couple.

Holland is very hesitant, with good reason, and she's a lot like a pineapple--a little prickly on the outside, but very sweet once you get past that outer layer. I loved watching those layers peel away, revealing her true, sweet self. Porter is a charmer, for sure. It's all his fault that they broke up the first time, yet he comes waltzing back into Holland's life like nothing ever happened. It doesn't take long to throw all of those bad feelings right out the window though. Porter's family is the best and I loved them all!

The Cinderella story really develops as the sparks fly and the romance progresses and this book is a fairy tale come true. I was swept away and completely caught up into this captivating love story, which made my heart sing and my soul smile. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about this wonderful family.

Content: mild romance (kissing, some innuendo); mild language