The Danger with Fireworks (Holiday Romance #3) by Robin Daniels {Review}

The Danger with Fireworks (Holiday Romance #3) by Robin Daniels

Kindle Edition, 76 pages

Published June 26th 2020 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

 

   

 

Garland's love life took a rocky ride when his roommate started dating the girl he liked. It was inevitable, really. Somehow he always makes friends with "that guy"--the one who can get any girl he wants. It sucks, always feeling like the third wheel. So, when he's offered a position as a summer camp counselor, he jumps at the opportunity. It's the perfect chance to escape...in a place where he's not tied to best-friendship with a chick magnet.

However, from the moment he arrives, Garland realizes that the grass won't be any greener. He meets Chloe, a beautiful, energetic co-worker and they hit it off right away. Naturally, her ex--who's desperate to win her back--happens to be "that guy". Except this time it's different because there's nothing likable about Chloe's ex. And since there's no rule saying Garland has to be best buds with the resident lady bait, he decides it's time to challenge the status quo. For once, he's going to get the girl.

NOTE: This story can be read as a standalone, but it's better if the series is read in order.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

Years ago, before my first summer camp experience, I watched The Parent Trap and thought for sure that's how it would be. Although this story doesn't give many details from the campers perspective, but it was full of swoony encounters with the counselors. And it, too, wasn't much like the movie, hah.

 

Garland is a great guy--but kind of blind to what's in front of him--which leads to all sorts of misinterpretations and laughs, while drawing in a little angst. Chloe came across as an insincere flirt at first, but she quickly grew on me. It was fun to get to know her, Garland, and the other cast of characters, in this short, sweet, and fun summer romance. I would have loved to see things developed over the course of the entire summer because I simply didn't want it to end.

 

Daniels does a great job of incorporating this new adult romance in with humor, adventure, dancing, and love.   

Content: mild romance; mild language

Until We Were More by Michelle Pennington {Review}

Until We Were More (Summer of First Kisses #4) 
by Michelle Pennington

Kindle Edition, 130 pages

Published November 14th 2019 

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

 

    

 

I had a list and he was not on it.

 
So far this summer, my three closest friends have all gotten kissed and found love. 

What did I get? Zane—the most conceited, annoying, and immature guy I knew. Sure, other girls might think he was totally hot, but that was because he didn't purposefully drive them them insane.

I must have been crazy to let him talk me into helping him with his crazy plan. Spending so much time with him had unexpected and dangerous consequences. 
 
In my defense, I had no idea that Zane could do more than make my eye twitch—that he'd make my pulse race and my heart pound. And as always, he knew exactly how to push my buttons. 

Thanks to him, my goal was was simply to get through this summer without getting kissed.
Because I was pretty sure if we did, we'd never be frenemies again. 

My Review: 3.5 Stars

I've loved getting to know this group of friends throughout this series, and I love how each book focuses on just one couple, while still allowing the reader a glimpse of beloved characters from previous stories. The beach setting is an especially great bonus.

Piper and Zane have a very salty relationship. They're always zinging, teasing, putting down, and annoying each other, but when push comes to shove, they're there for each other. When Zane comes up with a plan and needs Piper's help, she's hesitant, but little do they know what they're in for.

This whole idea of having a summer of first kisses was Piper's idea, so it was fun to see it all come back around for her to have her turn. However, this story had more angst and drama than the others and Zane and Piper seemed a little too opposite for this to work, but I'm still hoping for the best for them.

Content: mild romance

When Everything Changes by Michelle Pennington {Review}

When Everything Changes by Michelle Pennington

Kindle Edition, 141 pages

Published August 29th 2019 

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

 

   

 

I know everything about boys—except how to kiss one. This summer has been weird.

All my friends are finding love and I'm the last one who still hasn't been kissed. Now I have a bet with my friend Piper to see who can meet someone new and get a kiss. I thought it might motivate me because I hate to lose. 

The problem is I'm not exactly what guys are looking for—unless they're looking for someone to shoot hoops or play soccer with. When they want a girl to date, well, that's a different story.

Maybe if I wore skirts or flirted and pouted my lips at them. 

But I don't know how.

I'm counting on Cooper to help me figure this out. He's my best friend so I know he'll help me.
I just wish I knew why he was acting strange and why everyone seems to know something I don't.

My Review: 5 Stars

I love this series! The books should be read in order to get the full scoop on the story line and characters, and it's a fun set. Most of the girls in a group of friends hasn't ever been kissed and they're out to get their first one before they all set off for college.

Tomboy Liv has no idea what guys want, but is determined to find out. This author does a great job of bringing the awkward stage of a first love to life. This group of friends is one I would want to be a part of and I love reading each of their stories, but I really loved Liv's character and personality, as I watched her navigate this tricky time of life, but I especially loved watching her figure herself out.

This series is such a fun, sweet romance, carefree collection and makes me long to be a teen in a beach town, enjoying the simpler times of life, hah!

Content: mild romance

Never Let Me Forget by Michelle Pennington {Review}

Never Let Me Forget (Summer of First Kisses #2) by Michelle Pennington

Kindle Edition, 139 pages

Published July 29th 2019 

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

    

I want more than a kiss. I want forever. 

Basically, I have a short, silly list of what I want in a guy:
Fascinating Smile Stormy Eyes Passionate Soul Sees the real me when no one else does.
Okay, maybe I've read too many romantic fantasies. But even though I have dozens of book boyfriends, I'm ready for a real one.

My friends are determined to help me have my first kiss before the end of the summer, but I want more than just a surface attraction and a brief fling.

I want real, lasting love.

Too bad I'm a nerdy, boring, curvy kind of girl. Guys just aren't interested in that.

My friend Dante, however, is a charming girl-slayer and the perfect person to help me figure out how to attract the guy of my dreams.

I just have to ignore the fact that he checks all my boxes.

Because he isn't interested in the forever kind of love.

My Review: 5 Stars

Sadie is like almost any bookworm--she lives vicariously through characters in books and has a lot of book boyfriends. When challenged to have her first kiss by summer's end, she decides to take it a step further and find love, and who better to help her than her good friend, Dante?

Friends-to-lovers is a favorite trope of mine because I love that the characters have a solid relationship to build on and the first realization that something more might be in the wings is so satisfying.

My heart went out to Sadie. She's not model thin and isn't super confident about herself, her looks, her size, and her ability to find someone to love her. That seems to be the plight of so many out there. Dante definitely didn't help things a time or two, but he's got goodness in his core.

The give and take of this coming-of-age story resonated with my heart and I really enjoyed Sadie's journey to find love. This is such a fun summer beach read series and I can't wait for more!

Content: mild romance

Until Summer Ends by Elana Johnson {Review}

Until Summer Ends by Elana Johnson

Kindle Edition, 312 pages

Published August 9th 2016 by Cleis Press

Sophie Newton is determined to prove herself to her father, who insists she could never run a successful business. She opens a beachside taco stand called The Sandy Tortilla and plans to make her own way, one burrito at a time. When she loses her summer help, Sophie rushes to find somebody to help take orders. She finds that somebody in Montgomery Winters, a struggling actor from LA. Mont takes the job; the money’s useful, though he finds that his curvy boss is what really keeps him around. As Sophie and Mont work, they discover an intense attraction between them. But when Mont’s agent calls him about a career-making audition, he decides he must pursue the opportunity, even though he can’t get Sophie out of his head. Now, Sophie must choose between chasing after the man she’s falling in love with and the business she’s fought so hard to build.

My Review: 4 Stars

I love food trucks, but haven't really thought about the work that goes into running one. Sophie's sounds amazing and I was salivating over tacos throughout the book. I was also longing to lounge on the beach with the ocean breezes tossing my hair while I ate that taco.

There was a simmering attraction between Sophie and Mont, yet they each had their secrets and reservations that held them back a bit. I loved watching them gradually peel those layers away, revealing strong and determined characters that a reader could relate to. 

I was emotionally invested and really cared about how their story would end. I loved this story, with its slightly sad undertone and overall glimmers of hope and longing.

Content:  mild-moderate romance elements (steamy clean chemistry, with some innuendo and kissing; a fade-to-black scene that stayed clean)

Perfectly Summer (Perfect #3) by Robin Daniels {Review}

Perfectly Summer (Perfect #3) by Robin Daniels

Kindle Edition, 322 pages

Published November 28th 2017 by Bluefields 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

 

 

 

Summer vacation is Levi London’s favorite time of the year. Each summer, he and his brothers are shipped off to Florida to stay with their grandparents. For ten weeks everything is perfect. He has freedom, fun, and Summer West—the cute and spunky girl across the street—for whom he’s planned to confess his giant crush.

Right before the London boys are scheduled to leave, a scandalous family situation causes their mom to accompany them on vacation. Not only does Levi’s fun quotient promise to take a nose dive, but all the drama has him feeling less than his normal happy self.

Summer decides that Levi needs a distraction, in the form of a prank war. But he gets more than he bargains for when his older brother Lucas is both better at pranking and determined to date Summer too. Levi is a peacekeeper, but he isn’t sure he can mediate his family’s struggles or strike the right balance between mischief and romance. Especially when Lucas keeps reminding him that all is fair in love and war.

*** This book may contain negative triggers for people with a family history of infidelity.***

Content Description: This is a stand-alone YA contemporary romance with companion novels set at the same high school. It contains minor language, innuendo, crude humor, and kissing. This book has no sex, written or implied, between any of the teenage characters and has no explicit language. However, the family conflict revolves around adultery between the parents. While it is not highly descriptive, sex is discussed multiple times with regard to adult relationships. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I'm a mom and I cannot imagine having three teenage boys who are very close in age, very competitive, and very aggressive, in a sibling type of way. Kudos to their mom for dealing with this handful so well! 

 

Lucas, Levi, and Logan have been going to Florida to spend their summers with their maternal grandparents for years now and have formed a very tight friendship with neighbors, Hunter and Summer. I love the relationship that this group shares because they all manage to navigate the tricky balance of entertainment, love, dishing out the hard times, and watching each others backs. But the competition for Summer's attention is fierce. 

 
The story is told from Levi's point of view and it gives me hope that there really are decent guys out there for my daughters someday. Oh, wait! This story is fiction, haha. I do believe there are good guys in the world and loved the calming, sweet, loyal peacemaking and gentleman that he is.

 

Read the content description, because it really does fit the story well. While the angst runs high at times because of the drama, the playfulness and sass that Summer brings to the story, especially through the prank wars, really helps to ease the tension. This is a fun, teen story with very real and believable characters. The book flows really well and is easy to visualize. I love Florida and felt like my inner teenage self just spent a summer there with these characters.

Content: mild+ language; mild+ romance (kissing, but some talk of intimate relationships between adults with no details given); some crudeness and innuendo

The Combustible Engagement (A Cobble Creek Romance) by Maria Hoagland {Review}

The Combustible Engagement by Maria Hoagland
(A Cobble Creek Romance)

Kindle Edition

Published March 18th 2018 by Gelato Publishing LLC 

Source: I received a copy, which did not affect my thoughts and opinions

To say Tess Graham has a complicated relationship with her hometown is putting it mildly. With family ties and a successful real estate business she’s built from the ground up, Tess doesn’t want to leave. Not really. She would, however, like someone to see her for who she really is rather than the overshadowed twin in one of the town’s most prominent families. If only she could make a name for herself and find her place in Cobble Creek.

When handsome wildland firefighter, Monroe Scott, comes into town and wants to buy Tess’s grandfather’s barn for his reclaimed wood business, Tess feels the tug of nostalgia she didn’t expect. How can she allow Monroe to dismantle her childhood memories board by board? But as the listing agent, how can she prevent it?

To get what they each want, Tess and Monroe enter into a very temporary, very pretend engagement. As sparks fly and tempers flare, this fake engagement ignites into something both parties fight to contain.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

I remember reading about Tess as a very secondary character in a previous Cobble Creek romance and thought she seemed kind of high maintenance. I also wasn't sure I liked her because she was dating Frankie's soul mate--hah! What really struck me with this story is that once again, I learned that you can't judge people, especially when you don't even know them.

The first encounter with Tess and Monroe was classic! Sparks flew immediately and not necessarily in a good way. As the story went on, I found myself really, really liking both Tess and Monroe, especially when they let their guards down. One of my favorite ideas in a story is a fake engagement and when the chemistry is high, it's really great and swoony. 

I can't imagine having a dangerous job like Monroe has, but I thought that was a perfect employment for the book because it created a double meaning. The sparks were hot around Cobble Creek, but also in town because of this combustible energy surrounding this couple. 

I loved getting a deeper glimpse into this town and its residents and honestly can't wait for more!

Content: moments of peril; clean, swoony romance 

A New Shade of Summer by Nicole Deese {Review}

A New Shade of Summer (A Love in Lenox Novel)

by Nicole Deese

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Publication: September 12th 2017 by Waterfall Press 

 

 

As an artist, Callie Quinn relies on inspiration to guide her wandering soul. This summer she accepts a short-term muralist job in her sister’s charming town to spend some much-needed time with her family. After meeting her nephew’s friend, Brandon, she’s eager to draw out his untapped artistic talents—however, it’s the boy’s straitlaced single father who could use a little color in his life.
Davis Carter may be the town’s favorite animal whisperer, but his experience is limited when it comes to understanding his preteen’s rebellious behavior. Desperate for a breakthrough, he follows the lead of a free spirit who claims to know the way into his son’s closed-off world. Soon, Davis isn’t the only one caught up in the hope of a new beginning.
Just as Callie considers trading her unattached existence for a life rich with promise and permanence, an unexpected visit from the past threatens to send her packing once again. Davis and Callie must learn to surrender their fears so they can find a love that will outlast the summer.

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

My Review: 5 Stars

Have you ever wanted to be someone else? Don't get me wrong--I'm happy with who I am, but sometimes I wish I could be more carefree, outgoing, talented, and fun. When Callie blows into town with her bright red hair, wicked artistic abilities, and carefree bohemian attitude, Davis doesn't even know what's hit him. She has a way about her that draws people to her like moths to a flame and her confidence in herself brings a sense of peace to those around her. I want to be her...maybe for a day.

As a mom, I can only imagine how hard it would be to be a single parent as Davis is, but he is one great dad, even though he struggles finding that balance with a soon-to-be teenager. I adore Davis! He's hardworking, smart, sweet, and puts others needs above his own, even when it's not convenient or easy.

For him to find someone like Callie is extremely satisfying, but that relationship right there is not immune to problems. Through all of the conflicts, there are moments of chemistry, which takes this book to a deeper level. I loved every minute of it! I want to live in Lenox, OR (is it a real place?); I want to be friends with Callie and her sister, Clem; I want to take my dog and cat to Davis's vet practice; I want to associate with these people.

Ms. Deese is a very talented writing that draws me right into the thick of her books and leaves me with a book hangover--I honestly don't want to finish that last page because then it will be over.

Content: mild religious elements; mild romance

*I received a copy from the publisher, through Netgalley, which did not influence my thoughts in any way. All opinions are my own.*

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

Buy Links:

 

 

Wild Heart Summer by Jenny B. Jones {Review}

Wild Heart Summer by Jenny B. Jones

Kindle Edition, 125 pages

Published October 6th 2015 by Sweet Pea Productions

Twenty-one year old Avery Crawford has had to fight for everything in her life, and this summer is no exception. When her culinary internship in a chic restaurant falls through at the last minute, she gets an unexpected offer to work on a dude ranch in the quaint town of Sugar Creek. The problem? The ranch is owned by the grandfather she's been kept from all her life.

Avery is completely out of her element with the cattle drives, trail rides, and most of all—cute ranch manager Owen Jackson. Not in the market for romance, Avery still finds herself tempted by the cowboy’s Southern charm and sweet kisses. But as secrets unravel on the ranch, Avery will have to let go of the old wounds if she wants to hold onto the love Owen offers her. When the summer’s over, Avery must risk it all—or lose much more than her heart.

Previously published in the novella collection Just One Summer.

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

My Review: 4 Stars

I don't think I've ever read a book by this author before, but that's going to change for sure! I love the images crafted up in my mind through the words in this book and I found myself smiling and laughing over and over again because of the comparisons, banter, and character thoughts. 

Sure, Avery's had a tough time, but that girl is resilient and independent. A summer internship turns into her working on a ranch and facing everything she doesn't want to face. As much as I adored Avery, I was frustrated beyond belief at times with her stubbornness and refusal to even just listen. She's definitely a two steps forward, one step back kind of person and through my aggravation, I found myself enjoying the progress and finding joy in her journey. My heart was seriously smiling.

I don't know of anyone who could resist the charm and patience of Owen--not even Avery, try as she might. He's definitely not perfect, but he's in her life for a reason. Reader beware: there are many swoony sparkles drifting off these pages and they'll set your heart a smoldering.

There's a lot of meat to this story, especially for a novella. I loved the changes that gradually happened as a result of circumstances, facing the past, and discovering oneself.

Content: mild, swoony romance (kissing, mild innuendo); mild language.

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

  

Buy Link:

About the Author:

  

Four-time Carol Award winner Jenny B. Jones writes contemporary romance with wit, sass, and Southern charm. Since writing for both women and teens leaves her with very little free time, she believes in spending her spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits, such as watching E!, going to the movies and inhaling large buckets of popcorn, and writing her name in the dust on her furniture. www.jennybjones.com

Waves of Summer by Tammy L. Gray {Review}

Waves of Summer by Tammy L. Gray

Kindle Edition, 87 pages

Published November 2nd 2015

A sweet, opposites attract, coming-of-age romance full of laughter, secrets and two very cute brothers.

Sydney Andrews wants nothing more than to get away from a controlling ex-boyfriend, find some clarity and enjoy a drama-free vacation. But nothing in Sydney's life is ever that easy. Especially when the sexy bartender she meets at her mother's wedding wants more than just her friendship.

Jacob Massey thought pinch-hitting a bartending gig for his irresponsible older brother would land him some decent tips and much needed space. But the minute Sydney walks up to his bar, Jacob realizes he's getting far more than just a customer. With her biting tongue and pointed accusations, Sydney pinpoints his greatest failure--the relationship with his brother.

Can one summer be enough to right past wrongs, learn buried secrets and find the people they used to be?

***Also included in JUST ONE SUMMER: A ROMANCE NOVELLA COLLECTION***

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* 

My Review: 4 Stars

I absolutely adore the beach and would love for nothing more than to spend an entire summer living in a beach house, so you can probably image that I'm a little jealous of Sydney for doing just that. When her mother remarries for the fourth time, her new stepdad offers her the beach house. A sparky interaction with Jacob isn't what she had in mind, but these opposites can't seem to stay away from each other.

I really enjoyed the way Sydney and Jacob banter with each other. They each have secrets and pasts to work through and the natural progression of these dealings tugged on my heart and thoroughly engaged me. I anticipated the zips of attraction and the ribbing that ensued whenever these two were anywhere near each other. I loved the supporting cast as well.

This was my first story by Ms. Gray and it definitely won't be my last--she's really got a way with words. :)

Content: mild romance

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

A Painted Summer by Amy Matayo {Review}

A Painted Summer by Amy Matayo

Kindle Edition, 91 pages

Published November 3rd 2015 by SYG Productions

Darby Sparks has lived a very sheltered life. As a homeschool graduate, a small town resident, and the only child of two over-protective parents, she’s dreamed of chasing big dreams. But big dreams take big courage. So in a moment of uncharacteristic boldness, Darby leaves the only life she’s ever known and sets off for California to test her skills in Hollywood. It works...until she runs out of money. That wasn’t part of her spur-of-the-moment plan, and she finds herself stuck in an unfamiliar city with too much pride to call home for help.

With limited options, Darby finds herself working for dangerously hot Lennon Dixon, the owner of a downtown Los Angeles tattoo parlor. Lennon needs help and finds it in Darby. What he doesn’t expect is her odd aversion to his place of business...or his attraction to her. As for Darby, to call her new job unfamiliar is the world's biggest understatement. But to call her mutual attraction to Lennon unexpected is a very close second.

Previously published as part of the Just One Summer collection.

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

My Review: 4 Stars 

Darby is a very sheltered young lady and now, she's spending the summer learning to spread her wings and overcome her fears, with help from Lennon, her boss. I love watching Darby learn about herself and to learn to think for herself. She is so fierce about making it on her own. Lennon is a great character, one who always kept me guessing. He's pretty wise for only being in his mid-20s, yet there's not a cocky bone in his body. 

So what is Darby doing for the summer? This home school graduate is in Los Angeles, trying to make it as an actress and is working in a tattoo parlor in the meantime. I think some tattoos are very artistic and special when there's a meaning connected to them. Although I personally don't want one, I found these descriptions interesting. 

I loved the growth and the subtle romance in this story and my summer spent here was enjoyable. This is a sweet coming-of-age book.

Content: mild romance

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

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

A Summer Remade by Nicole Deese {Review}

A Summer Remade by Nicole Deese

Kindle Edition, 98 pages

Published November 4th 2015 by Nicole Deese

A sweet, coming-of-age love story filled with stolen kisses and second chances.

Joss Sanders needs an escape. Or maybe she just needs a reminder of a sweeter, simpler, and steadier time. But her family's vacation cabin isn't exactly how she remembered it as a child, and neither is the charming young man who lives next door.

Change is everywhere, and if Joss doesn't learn to embrace it, she just might lose the second chance she needs the most.

*A Summer Remade was previously published as part of the Just One Summer novella collection.*

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

My Review: 4 Stars 

Summertime makes me feel nostalgic, thinking about my childhood, vacations, lazy days, etc. Joss and her three best friends made a promise to spend every summer together (wouldn't that be ideal?) at her family's cabin and they've done that...until this year. With so many changes looming in her life, she needs a break and the cabin provides her that. Kind of. 

Right from the start, I found myself laughing at the crazy things that happen to Joss and her awkward reactions to them--especially where Drew is concerned. They have a history, but working together, Joss is able to discover things about herself that help her build a future worth looking forward to. And it's all done with a lot of humor and a little dash of romance.

I really enjoyed this story, but just like a carton of my favorite Ben & Jerry's, the serving size isn't quite enough to satisfy my craving--I wanted more! i wanted to devour the whole carton, haha. I loved every minute of it and wasn't ready to leave Lopez Island. Nicole Deese is a pretty brilliant story teller.

Content: mild romance

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* 

Buy Link: 

About the Author:

 

Nicole Deese is a lover of fiction and writes contemporary romance with an inspirational twist. She is the Kindle bestselling author of the Letting Go series and A Cliché Christmas, the first book in her new Love in Lenox series. She lives in northern Idaho with her husband and two sons...and their new goldendoodle, Warner.

A Taste of Sun by Heather B. Moore {Review}

A Taste of Sun by Heather B. Moore

Kindle Edition

Published April 25th 2017 by Mirror Press 

 

 

From USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore comes the contemporary romance novella: A TASTE OF SUN

Winona Grant embarks on a summer-long visit to NYC to house-sit for her great-aunt after a nasty break-up with her boyfriend Paul. But when her aunt commissions neighbor Steve Monti to tour Winona around, they strike a deal. Winona has too many deadlines to play tourist, and Steve is looking for a distraction from his looming gallery opening. So Steve goes on the tours by himself, and Winona reports back to her aunt as if she’d gone too. The longer this happens, the more Winona wants to change her mind. Seeing the city with Steve might be the perfect solution to forgetting about Paul.

Note for readers: A TASTE OF SUN was previously published in A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer in New York Collection.  

 

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

My Review: 5 Stars

I love this author's books because she really knows how to tell a cute, romantic tale in a short amount of time. A lot of novellas leave me wanting for more and don't feel complete, but this one is the perfect, bite-sized bit of romance that's the perfect length for a busy summer day, and that's just how my entire summer has been so far--busy. I love that I can sit down and enjoy a quick escape and feel content when I'm done.

Winona and Steve are great characters! I loved seeing NYC through their eyes, especially since I haven't been there before and I love the way they interact. They each almost have an agenda with this relationship at first, but the way things unfold is pleasant and super fun. And of course, romantic.

Content: very mild language; mild romance.

*I received a copy, which didn't influence my thoughts in any way. All opinions are my own.*

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

Buy Link:

Other books by Heather B. Moore:

 

ALISO CREEK SERIES:
Picture Perfect
Third Time’s the Charm
The Daisy Chain
Lost then Found
One Chance

THE FALLING SERIES:
Falling for Sydney
Falling for Maria
Falling for June

THE TANGERINE STREET ROMANCE SERIES:
The Fortune Café
The Boardwalk Antiques Shop
The Mariposa Hotel

THE NEWPORT LADIES BOOK CLUB SERIES:
(various authors)
Athena
Ruby’s Secret
Tying the Knot

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:
Tide Pools
A Taste of Sun

HISTORICAL ROMANCE:
Love is Come
An Ocean Away
A Fortunate Exile
A Season in London
Mail Order Bride
Heart of the Ocean
Power of the Matchmaker

TIMELESS ROMANCE ANTHOLOGIES:
Winter Collection
Spring Vacation Collection
Summer Wedding Collection
California Dreamin’ Collection
Valentine’s Day Collection
And more…!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Heather B. Moore is a USA today bestselling author who writes sweet romance. Under H.B. Moore she writes historicals & thrillers. Under Jane Redd, she writes Young Adult. There are more than 9,000 5-star reviews for Heather's books on Goodreads!

Someone Like Him by Ann Herrick {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Someone Like Him

by Ann Herrick

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Teen Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

When New-York-City girl Emily visits her cousin Janelle in Oregon, Emily wonders how she'll survive the wilderness.  Janelle wonders if the wilderness will survive Emily's visit—and if she can convince her cousin to help save part of an old-growth forest.  

Meanwhile, Emily also wonders if a big-city girl can get along with a county guy—named Bret. Under forest canopies and by crystal-clear waters she struggles with her growing attraction to him. But they're so different. Whoever thought she'd fall for someone like him?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Review: 4 Stars

I'm a sucker for a cute, clean, teen romance and this one was great! I loved the way this story took me back to my carefree teen years, where my biggest worries were what to wear, what to do, and does he like me or does he not? There's a lot of nostaglia for a reader like me found in these pages.

Emily is determined to make the best of her situation, although she's not happy about it at all. I appreciate the way she tries--and that's the key word--tries. Relationships are tricky during the teen years and Ms. Herrick does a great job at portraying these fun and awkward encounters.

From camping/hiking mishaps-to-trees-to-jokes gone too far-to-more trees-to-forging a path in an uncharted territory, this book will have you smiling, cringing, and enjoying it, page after page. There's not a lot of meat to the story, but it's the perfect, fluffy, summer read for those who enjoy a light-hearted teenage story. I felt like I was reliving a wonderful summer from my past and found pleasure from start to finish.

It would be fun to have Emily's cousin, Janelle, visit Emily in New York City next summer and see how another fish out of water fares.

Content: mild romance. Clean for all ages!

*I received a copy through Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for an honest review*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

It wasn't easy trying to fit all my stuff into one small suitcase and an overnight bag. But Dad said that was the limit. I wished I had room to pack my old scout manual. I vaguely remembered there was a section about survival in the wilderness. I figured I might need that.

"Now, Cheryl," Dad said to Mom. "Don't start getting teary-eyed."

"But Richard, we're sending our only daughter off to Oregon." Mom sniffled.

A fine time for Mom to have second thoughts—just as I was about to board the plane. I let out a long sigh and tried to look really sad. Maybe she'd give in to her misgivings and let me stay.

"She'll be in good hands," Dad said reassuringly.

"We'll be in Europe, six thousand miles from my baby!"

Ordinarily I would have moaned and declared that I was not a baby. Now, however, I worked at getting my lower lip to tremble.

"Everything will be fine!" Dad's voice was getting high and squeaky, a sure sign that he'd had it. "Emily will love Oregon. It'll be an educational trip. It's time she sees something besides the cities of the world. Now let's say good-bye before she misses the plane!"

Dad hit just the right combination of panic, annoyance, and determination.

"You're right, dear." Mom kissed me goodbye.

Dad gave me a hug and kiss, then stepped back and put his arm around Mom. They both stood there with smiles on their faces.

"Bye," I said as cheerfully as possible. I could tell there was no point in any last-minute hysterics. I squared my shoulders and headed toward the plane.

I thought there could at least have been some appropriately dreary background music as I marched off to my doom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Ann Herrick is the award-winning author of several books and short stories for kids and teens. Included in the awards her books have won are the ALA Recommended Book for Reluctant Readers, IRA/CBC Children’s Choice and EPIC Best YA Novel Finalist.

Ann grew up in Connecticut, where she graduated from The Morgan School and Quinnipiac University.  She now lives in Oregon with her husband, who was her high-school sweetheart.  Their wonderful daughter is grown, married and gainfully employed, and has given Ann her only grand-dog, Puff, a bloodhound-Rottweiler-beagle mix and six grand-kitties.  While she misses the East Coast, especially houses built before 1900, she enjoys the green valleys, fresh air and low humidity in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.  Ann loves cats, walking, the Oregon Ducks and working in her back yard.  In addition to stories and books for children and young adults, Ann also writes copy for humorous and conventional greeting cards. She loves to hear from her readers and can be contacted through her web site:  http://annherrickauthor.com   

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ann.herrick

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ann_herrick

Blog: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewblog.asp?AuthorID=841   

Goodreads Author Page:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/507620.Ann_Herrick

https://www.amazon.com/Someone-Like-Him-Ann-Herrick-ebook/dp/B01CJXQEFK  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

BEYOND THE RISING TIDE by Sarah Beard

Paperback, 304 pages

Published June 14th 2016 by Sweetwater Books

Kai was seventeen when he died saving Avery's life, though he didn't have much to live for. After spending half his life being shipped around to different families, the only place he felt at home was on a street corner with his guitar. Now, it's been six months since his death. Six months adapting to a new kind of existence where instead of making music, he uses his new healing powers to save lives. But in his off hours, he watches helplessly as Avery's life is unraveled by his death.

Avery doesn't know that it was Kai who saved her life in the ocean, because her rescuer's body was never found. Wracked with guilt, the ocean she once loved is now her tormentor. As her surfboards collect dust in the garage, the weight of her grief destroys her relationships and stretches her to a breaking point.

Always willing to break rules for those he loves, Kai steals a ring that temporarily gives his body substance. With limited time, he does all he can to restore her life to the way it was before his tragic death, but Kai's half-baked plans rarely turn out the way he thinks they will. Beyond the Rising Tide is a beautiful love story that explores life, death, and the gray places in between.

Praise for the Book:

“Vividly imagined, this novel is the perfect mix of modern love story and literary fiction. One brimming with genuine emotion that had me re-reading passages simply because they were too beautifully written to experience just once.” --Julie N. Ford, author of With No Regrets

“This book is not only an engaging and satisfying supernatural romance, but also a beautiful story about life, death, and the gray places in between.” --E.B. Wheeler, author of The Haunting of Springett Hall

"This is one of those stories that stays with you long after the closing scene. It was beautifully imagined and vividly written and I absolutely loved it!” --Teresa Richards, author of Emerald Bound

EXCERPT (Avery's point-of-view):

My mind retraces the past few months, all the conversations Tyler and I have had, the words we’ve said and haven’t said, all stemming from one incident, one day. And then I’m thrown back to that afternoon, back into the ocean and the cold, roiling waves. I feel them around me, tossing me this way and that, pounding over my head like a stampede of wild horses. I feel the salt stinging my eyes and see the abyss below me in the moment I dove under to find the boy. I saw him there, motionless and suspended in the deep, just out of reach.

Just out of reach.

My face feels hot, and I can’t breathe. But I keep my panic cloaked beneath my skin. A violent earthquake rattles my insides, but I tense my muscles, holding it in, restraining it, refusing to let it show. I dig my nails into my arm, anchoring them there, anchoring me into stillness, and I focus all my attention on the present physical pain in my arm.

Kai’s hand reaches for mine. His touch stills my insides, draws out the tremors as though they’re water and he’s a sponge.

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

My Review: 5 Stars

This is a great teenage love story with a lot of angst. There are many moments overflowing with emotion and some great, thought-provoking quotes. I honestly can't even imagine going through what Avery and Kai do--not only does it blow my mind, but it breaks my heart.

The only time Avery and Kai met is when he jumps into the ocean to save her--and gives is life for her. She can't get over the fact that someone, a stranger, died for her, and when he has the chance to help her, he takes it, even though it means stealing. Their growing love for each other is obviously doomed before it begins, but I stop hoping for them to find a way to figure it out.

Although there is a darker, sad undertone, I still felt many different emotions throughout these pages and didn't find it overly depressing. The imagery of the setting (a beach in California), as well as the vivid descriptions of the characters, anchored this story deep into my heart. I love the growth and obstacles these two have to overcome. I seriously can't stop thinking about this book! Ms. Beard is a fantastic writer, one who really plays on a reader's emotions. Well done!

Content: mild romance (kissing); mild violence (mostly vague talk of abuse/neglect/suicide attempts/death). Clean.

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

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

 

Purchase Link: 

Giveaway:
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


About the Author:

 
Sarah Beard is the author of YA novels Porcelain Keys and Beyond the Rising Tide. She earned a degree in communications from the University of Utah and is currently pursuing an MFA in writing from VCFA. When she's not writing, she referees wrestling matches between her three
boys and listens to audiobooks while folding self-replicating piles of laundry. She is a breast cancer survivor, a baker of sweets, a seeker of good love stories, a composer of melancholy music, and a traveler who wishes her travel budget was much bigger. She lives with her husband and children in the shadow of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

Social Media/Websites:
 
Twitter: @authorsarahb
Website: sarahbeard.com
Facebook: facebook.com/authorsarahbeard