I didn’t necessarily like Quinn all the time thru the book, but I did understand her and she does some growing by the end. She has some serious issues with her family and their expectations, especially her dad. She’s different than the rest of her family, and unfortunately for her, there isn’t anyone who really understands her – love her yes, understand her no. She’s not had much more luck in her personal life … until she meets Heath. But it is hard to let go of those bad experiences.

Now, Heath I absolutely loved. He’s sexy and sincere, hard working and caring. He didn’t have the best start in life, but he’s working on bettering it for his brothers. Unfortunately of course that’s where the conflict with Quinn comes in. As much as they are attracted to each other, there is a big issue between them with the property.

To which, I saw a solution from about Chapter 3 but then where would all of the fun come from? I think Madsen does a fantastic job of having them get there on their own (again, it’s kinda obvious) but her’s works a lot better since they had a chance to fall in love. And we get to enjoy being there with them as they do.

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.)

It's the characters that are so important in this series and Sala once again brings us wonderful ones. Not only Dori and Johnny, but Johnny's little brothers and those people in the town who are so willing to lend a hand when needed.

Life hasn’t always been kind to Dori or Johnny, but they have never given up. They work hard at making a good life for those they care about and when life brings them into the same sphere, that dedication expands to encompass both families. But while life keeps throwing them punches, now they have each other and it is so very sweet watching them fall in love. I’m impressed at how, being so young but having to take on so much responsibility, they still manage to keep a good attitude. They aren’t naïve but they aren’t letting it turn them bitter either. They are such a fantastic match and I was so very happy that they found each other.

As with the other books, Sala continues to bring a great cast of secondary characters … unfortunately not all of them have a good heart. It isn’t always pretty, but Sala manages to do a fantastic job of capturing that small town feel. There are caring people, who help and support those around them, but there are also those that only look out for themselves. It’s both kinds of people that bring Dori and Johnny to their eventual HEA. And while it isn’t always roses and sunshine, thee good definitely outweighs the bad in their lives, which I think is what most of us hope for.

If you haven’t read Count Your Blessings (previously titled Color Me Bad) or Curl Up & Dye, it's OK because all of these books can stand on their own. But it does help to give you an idea of the small Southern town charm and politics that Sala captures so well. And as much as I loved the first two stories, I think this one is my favorite (so far, because I can’t wait to see what Sala has in store for us next).

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.)

I love the interactions between Messina’s characters – they are funny and sweet and entertaining – and she delivers again here. While we missed some of the suspense elements in The Other Harlow Girl, Messina brings it back to us with The Bolingbroke Chit. The Harlows are here and there throughout, but this time we focus on Agatha (who was mentioned in the last book but I don’t think we actually met her). Now, of course, she plays a starring role, with a wonderful new hero in Addleson.

The first half of the story is all about getting to know our couple and having them get to know each other. We (and they) learn what makes them tick and get a few surprises along the way. But the second half is all about the troubles that Agatha finds herself in. It isn’t really that much of a mystery because we know who the bad guy is, but they why isn’t there and it’s fun to figure that out along with Agatha and Addleson.

While it isn’t important to this story to have read the other stories (Messina does a great job of filling in the pertinent details), I highly recommend it because they, and this one, are some of the most fun I’ve had reading a book in a long time.

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.)

As I was reading this I kept thinking that these two just can’t catch a break. But the interesting thing was the difference in attitude that all the hardships they’ve encountered have given them. Now granted Raleigh’s past has a darker tone, but they both have dealt with their own struggles. And while both of them have grown into great people – kind, caring, giving, loving … the difference is that Raleigh doesn’t expect life to do anything but to continue to push him down. But that definitely has something to do with the types of things he’s dealt with. The fact that he’s survived to be such a good and well-loved person, shows a definitely depth of character. Mia’s also had her share of struggles but she’s learned to embrace life a little more easily. She could easily have given up at any moment or at least turned bitter, but she’s definitely taken the higher road.

I loved these two together and the entire book gave me a warm and squishy, even while I was upset at the newest curveball life had thrown at them. Just plain heart-warming (and a little heart-breaking), Falling Fast is one of those delightful feel good reads that leave you smiling at the end … and I can’t wait to see what’s Waincott’s bringing next!

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)

Someone described this book to me as a sweet and light hearted read, perfect for when you are tired of all the angst … and boy was she right. Now, I knew going in that this book would be great – I absolutely adore Julia London, doesn’t matter if it is contemporary or historical or even what name is on the cover  Her characters are gripping and the stories are always page-turners, and The Perfect Bargain is no different.

I was totally enthralled by Sloane and Galen as they bickered and sniped and slowly fell in love – because you know all of that snark was hiding things that involved the heart. A definite case of opposites attract, as they got to know each other more they started to realize (of course) that they have a lot more in common than they thought. And that what they believed about themselves and what they truly want may not be right.

I have to say that my only complaint is that the books focused on them and we really didn’t get a chance to get to know anyone else in the little village. I think that there was definitely a chance to show that small town Scottish quirkiness, but I’m hoping this is the start of a series so we can see that more down the road.

If you are looking for fun and romance, humor and heart, look no further. Once again London delivers all of that in spades and gives you a little of Highland flair … because who doesn’t love a man who speaks with a brogue and looks great in a kilt!

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)

I have been a fan of Jill Shalvis’s work for a very long time. I have always loved how she does such a fantastic job of delivering not just a love story between two people, but also brings to her readers well-developed and intricate family dynamics. There’s always more going on and by the time you close the book you feel like you are part of the clan.

The Kincaids may be a little dysfunctional, considering how they came to be, but they truly care about each other and it is there for anyone to see. They are protective, but they aren’t afraid to give a good ribbing when it is needed … and they are always there in a heartbeat when another is in trouble. It’s a fabulous bond and one that extends to their sibling’s loved ones as well. Once you are part of the group, you become a Kincaid with all the highs and lows that brings.

Lily hasn’t had that kind of relationship in a very long time and she’s running scared of Aiden and all the complications that he brings. But the Kincaids are just as stubborn as they are loyal and he’s not going down without a fight. While he can understand her fear, he’s willing to take it on and show her that he’s worth the risk.

It’s an emotional battle for both of them, but such an enjoyable one. And I can’t wait for the next Kincaid to meet his or her match. It’s going to be a heck of a ride :)

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)

It’s time to visit Fool’s Gold again – yea!! Usually when I review one of these, I talk about how great it is to visit the little town and have a reunion with friends from previous stories but we really didn’t get that here … and I didn’t mind at all! We pretty much stay on the Nicholson ranch and get to know new people, but that doesn’t stop it from being quirky and fun and sweet and oh-so addictive just like all of the others in the series. The characters, even though they are new, are just as real and detailed as any that we’ve gotten to know over the years.

Phoebe grew up in foster care and never really had a family. It’s caused her to have a few issues, including never feeling quite good enough. So she’s spent her adult life being a pleaser … which is how she ends up on the ranch. Her best friend asks her to spend a week helping out the family and true to form she can’t say no. I love Phoebe – she’s funny and silly and caring and honest. She’s an LA girl thru-and-thru but once on the cattle drive she embraces it with everything she has. And that includes a little flirtation (or more) with Zane.

Zane has seen all the bad things that can happen when you give your heart to a woman … and he doesn’t plan on ever going there. He also knows what it is like to live with regrets so he’s trying everything he can to make sure that his little brother doesn’t have to experience it too. But it isn’t exactly causing warm, fuzzies at home. When quirky and appealing Phoebe drops into his life it not only has him looking at his relationship with his brother in a new light, but she’s also proving impossible to resist.

Like usual, there are wonderful secondary characters and a hint at the next book.
There’s also a side piece involving a couple who can’t have kids but somehow have found themselves chaperoning a couple of foster kids during the drive. It’s an absolutely fantastic story of learning to let go of what you thought you wanted in order to embrace the wonders right in front of you. By delivering something so touching and well-developed as a small accessory tale with limited pages, Mallery continues to show her skill at giving readers characters and stories that mean something.

From start to finish, I couldn’t put down Kiss Me. But I didn’t expect anything less, because Mallery has always excelled at writing laugh-out-loud, give-a-little-sigh, cheer-for-the-HEA romances.

(Since these are new characters this is absolutely the perfect place for new readers to start, so don’t be shy if this is your first Fool’s Gold story. You are going to feel right at home.)

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

I have to start with two things – #1 this blurb doesn’t really do this book justice at all and #2 I have no idea why I haven’t been reading this series because this book was fantastic! I’ll skip over the second part because I think it kinda speaks for itself, what with my track record of starting series in the middle, so instead I’ll talk about the first.

It sounds like a newly divorced man, who got a little shook by his first marriage, is back in his hometown and fending off all the women except the one that he wants, who wants him too but is a little scared to take the chance. Which could be a sweet story, right? Yeah, that’s not this story. Now don’t get me wrong it is sweet, oh-so-wonderfully sweet, but so not what it is described to be.

Sabina is having a little trouble living her own life because she’s too busy mothering her little sister (out of guilt for a past event) … a sister who is actually dating Ross. It kinda reminds me of Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin, except I don’t know that Sabina pushes the two together because she doesn’t think Ross would truly be interested in her. There’s actually a whole lot more going on, all stemming out of that guilt I mentioned earlier. That and the fact that she seems to be a bit of a people pleaser and has a terrible time being even a little selfish and saying no to others. Ross has actually been interested in Sabina for years and when he first comes back to town he asks her out a few times but after being told she’s busy – and then being introduced to her sister – he takes the hint that she doesn’t like him the same way. And dates the sister instead.

Things get dicey for them all when the little town’s matchmaking soothsayer visits Sabina and tells her that she needs to get her sister wedded before her own soulmate will make an appearance. Well, since said sister is dating Ross, things take off from there as everyone in town tries to get Ross and Lucy down the aisle as quickly as possible so that Sabina’s love will appear. (Yes, they have a little old lady who gives words of wisdom concerning matters of the heart and the townspeople listen. It totally makes sense when you read the book :) ) Too bad Lucy & Ross aren’t all that sure they want to get married and Ross & Sabina might have more feelings for each other than they will admit to.

I think that this little triangle could totally be something unappealing but Ramsay handles it with style and grace. You can easily see how they all get to where they are and how things just become more and more tangled. You like all of them and thankfully know that it will work out right in the end (it’s a romance, so of course it does) but you just hope that it doesn’t cause too much heartache before they get there. Which I’m pleased to say Ramsay isn’t too heavy-handed there. Instead she uses a fantastic suspense element around a suspicious fire to keep things hopping. It’s a fun touch to add the little bit of danger and intrigue to what could have been an overly dramatic love story. Instead we get a fantastically heart-warming read, highlighting a myriad of complex emotions and interpersonal dynamics.

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)

You have to get past the extremely unprofessional first meeting between these two for the story to work. And I do mean unprofessional … but super hot. Jarod definitely has moves both on and off the track. And that’s what got him into trouble in the first place :)

Caught is sexy and fun - together Jordan and Viv are sassy and sizzling. They keep telling themselves that they aren’t getting involved, but what they say out loud isn’t what’s going on on the inside. The sparks that fly while they butt heads is definitely caused by more than just opposing views and when they let that attraction free it gets quite steamy.

There is more going on between the two besides just the sex, though. Jarod has had people trying to get a piece of him his entire life and it is hard to trust that someone isn’t out to get something from him. And Viv doesn’t have the best track record with men … especially men as complicated as her racecar driver.

They have a lot of work ahead of them, not just trying to clean up Jarod’s image, but in trying to find a way to forge a real relationship. One that is based on more than just their hormones. It’s not going to be easy when neither is willing to let their heart rule and take a chance on someone else.

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)

Ares’ Temptation is a lot of fun – I really enjoyed the idea of gods in our world, especially one who is without his powers. My only complaint is that it didn’t seem like enough time was spent having Ares learn from his time being powerless. He does and we see it to a certain degree but I think maybe there was a chance to delve a little deeper into that.

Buuuut, what I got I enjoyed. I liked seeing his interactions with Kaye. She’s funny and spunky and a good foil for him. He’s sexy and hunky and a little lost which is also fun. It isn’t a huge fish out of water story, just some touches, mostly because Ares is too proud to show it too much. And the time he spent with Kaye’s family does teach him a thing or two about patience and forgiveness. There is also a bit of a battle at the end, adding just that touch of danger and suspense to the story and showing off Ares’ new attitude.

I love these reimaging stories – taking well known (and sometimes even lesser known) fictional characters and giving them something new. Dionne does a good job here and I’m thinking that it might be fun to see what she can do with Ares’ brothers and sisters.

(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)