(This is the first book in this series that I've read so everything below is based solely on this story. If there are any additional bits of information in the others then it won't be reflected here. I think that this story can stand on its own as it feels complete to me, but I can't say that for sure :) )

I know I shouldn't, but I'm going to start with things that didn't work and move things that did, so make sure you read to the very end! I want everyone to know that there is so much to recommend this book and not to get held up on anything else.

I wasn't a fan of Julia hiding her plans from her family. I understand her reasoning, with the wedding and how they treat her, but she has to know how much it is going to hurt them when they find out. But it kinda works to make the story more realistic. Characters don't have to be perfect all the time and as long as they have growth a good author can make it work. And I think that Richardson definitely does just that.

I do admire how resilient Julia is. She had a horrible experience as a mid-teen, something that forever changes her. Overall though, she seems to have bounced back and made a life that works for her. But time spent with Isaac does show that in some ways she's just pretending and he helps her look at some of those things a little more closely.

Isaac is all sorts of fantastic. He's caring, supportive and tries hard to win Julia's trust & her heart. The way he goes about winning her back after he messes up in her eyes is just beyond fantastic.

But I feel like Richardson may have glossed over Isaac's PTSD just a little bit. We get a glimpse of it but I'm not sure that it was properly addressed. And I'm also not 100% sure why he was never in contact with these people after leaving for the Navy. I get that life as a SEAL is difficult and that he left under not-so-great circumstances, but some sort of communication wouldn't have been amiss.

While the story isn't perfect, it holds together really well, especially for a novella, and any complaints I have are easily overshadowed by the multitude of good parts - the pacing is solid, the characters are real, and their journey to a HEA (over a decade in the making) is so very touching. I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

This is the first of this series that I’ve read – I remember coming across a couple of others and wanting to get an ARC but for the life of my I can’t remember why I didn’t … I loved Osburn’s Anchor Island series, so I have no idea what I was doing :) I don’t think that it make a huge difference but the previous couples are very involved in this story and I’m curious about how Carrie was portrayed before since she so entwined in everyone’s lives. You can definitely read this as a stand alone but I think that it will have more impact for returning readers.

Having said that, I will admit to really liking these two. Noah’s not your average hero – he’s not smooth or all that charming. He suffers from PTSD and a few rought deployments mixed with some disappointments in his recovery has led him to believe that he’s better off alone. He avoids most social situations and tends to be blunt in his conversation. But at his core he’s a very good man. He just has an awful way of showing it :) After a pretty rocky start, complete with some awful assumptions and not-so-nice things being said, time with Carrie has him hoping for something different.

Carrie has had a pretty hard life (and this is one of those places where I wish I’d read the previous books so I’d have a better feel for everything she’s gone through). She’s finally at good place – her own house, good job, supportive friends and only her daughter to be responsible to. There’s no man or family to beat her down and she’s actually starting to feel good about herself. Then she gets a new, crusty neighbor who just happens to have been good friends with her abusive husband. He doesn’t think the best of her and isn’t afraid to share his feelings … but once they have a chance to clear the air about things, they start to see each other differently. And Carrie sees the good man under the scruffy beard. And thinks that maybe she’s finally found something worthy.

I’m sure that having gotten to know Carrie already, returning readers will be even more invested in her story but I definitely felt for her and was happy to see her put a better life together. I’m curious how much growth she’s done in the earlier books because it seems like she moved pretty quickly into a relationship with Noah. However she does talk about how seeing the other couples be so happy makes her realize that there are good men. And Noah’s as good with his actions as he is with his words when it comes to his aversion to violence against women. I’ve seen some comments in reviews that a woman who has survived abuse would be more hesitant to get involved again within a year or so of her husband’s death but I get the feeling that Carrie has been heading that way for a while (even if just in her own mind).

Maybe since he’s a new character, and she has to do all of his development here, I feel like Osburn does a great job of giving Noah’s PTSD its due. It has a huge impact on his life and he struggles with how to handle it. I feel for him as he describes some of the things that he’s gone through but I was happy that “love” didn’t miraculously cure him. He needs real help and Osburn addresses that.

I’m reminded why I enjoyed my other Osburn books so much. She’s great at creating interesting characters and an involved plot, plus her easy-to-read writing keeps readers involved. With her newest, two wounded souls find each other and and work to find a happy, healthy place together. It’s not smooth sailing but it’s more satisfying for having to make it through those rough patches. I’m regretting passing over those other books but I’m definitely going to be picking up any I run across going forward :)

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

It’s admirable that Cora is making a life that she loves – being independent, doing a job that she enjoys, with people who treat her as an equal & not someone who needs to be managed. You have to root for her as you get to know everything she’s gone through since becoming blind. She may have had it good before, but she wasn’t happy. And she’s not letting anything stand in her way now.

Braxton may have gone just a little overboard with the man-whoring after getting his heart broken :) I mean, it’s not like he’s the first to have to deal with being dumped. Once he meets Cora though he’s done with all other women. And he definitely treats her with all the respect that she deserves. He’s got great insight into what she needs and doesn’t try to coddle her, instead letting her stand on her own too feet while being there to support her. He may have gone wild for a little bit but he never forgot that he’s a gentleman and that people deserve to be treated well.

While I’m really enjoying this series (so very much) I was a little surprised at Braxton when Cora’s big reveal came out. He knew she was hiding something and had his suspicions about her background so I’m not sure why his reaction was as big as it was. But, being the awesome guy that he is, he got over it pretty quickly and then performed the best “sweep her off her feet” gesture I’ve seen in a long time. Cora had no hope of resisting him after that :)

Once again, Bennett delivers an addictive read with fabulously detailed characters and a story that will keep readers glued to the pages. But I do have to admit that as much as I have loved the brothers up to this point I’m the most excited to get to Liam’s story and find out all of his secrets. And see him get the girl, of course! Bennett can’t keep turning out books fast enough to suit me.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

(While it isn't required to read all of the stories in this series, it does help to understand how the characters relate to each other and all the trouble they've managed to get themselves into this past year :) )

I was super thrilled to see Drake hit it out of the park again - delivering a story full of danger, emotion, humor and thrills. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but I felt like there was a bit of a misstep in the last one when it came to her hero. Here, though, everything comes together just perfectly.

The friendship between Sophie and Brandon is just awesome, but returning readers know that they are both hiding deeper feelings. We just aren't sure why they are fighting it. And with excitement and danger coming at the start, we don't have long for things to come to a head. (I don't think many people will be surprised by the "who" in the who-done-it part, but Drake ties everything together very well and keeps things engaging.)

The pacing is done skillfully too - mixing the relationship development with the suspense portion but not cheating either of them. Drake also does a great job of fleshing out the characters we've gotten glimpses of in the first two books and explaining why they've never done anything about their obvious attraction.

All of it makes sense and keeps you glued to the page until you can make sure that they make it out of their troubles (both physical and emotional), getting a HEA together that they deserve.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

I think the blurb, for me, made Kiera out to be a little more … of a shut-in, I guess, than she actually is. I expected her to be one of those people that is afraid to go outside, avoids all social interactions, only has online friends, food is delivered, doesn’t do anything except spend time on the computer, more extreme things. But she’s actually very well adjusted. She has her issues with getting too involved in other people’s lives, stemming from the way she grew up & a broken heart/trust, but she has friends and activities. She just has a job that has her working at home, with odd hours, and she geeks out about certain things. She’s got her peculiarities but she’s not that weird.

Zach is one of those all around good guys. I mean, come on, the man saves lives for a living! He’s gorgeous, athletic, smart and charming. But that doesn’t mean his life is problem free. He’s got some hang-ups of his own – needing to fix everyone’s problems & be the hero is at the top of the list. It’s not a bad thing to want to help but he also has to realize that he can’t do everything for everyone.

Throw together a woman who separates herself from other’s problems and a guy who gets too involved, add in some sparks and humor and great supporting characters, and things are guaranteed to get messy. But these two are also going to learn and grow on their way to falling in love. It’s fun, quirky and touching. Nicholas definitely has a good chance at a winner with this new series!

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

Some romances I just fly through, turning pages and devouring the words and then before I know it I’m done. Then there are others that are more of a savoring kind of thing and this definitely falls into that category. Gregory has us slowly getting to know Hope as she settles into a new home and a new job, near the comfort of the only family that has ever shown her love. It’s harsh to realize exactly what kind of life she’s lived so far and how things have changed so drastically for her. But she’s strong, resilient and hard-working. She’s going to create something new that she loves … and Drew is going to help her (in some unexpected ways).

As Drew works on giving Hope a new place of business and a loft to live in, he gets to know the pretty dancer. And he likes what he sees. But he has a daughter to consider and a heart that was damaged. He may not be the best at showing interest in a woman but Hope easily sees how good of a dad & friend he is. He’s kind and caring and patient. And she’s growing more attracted to him every day.

With two people who have been hurt in the past and are now a little hesitant to give their heart away, Gregory delivers an emotional story of letting go, moving on and opening up. Neither wants to be hurt again but their attraction is hard to ignore. Can they take a chance or will they let their fears stand in their way?

This is the first in this series (and by this author) that I’ve read and while I don’t think it is a requirement to have read anything else since I kept up just fine, it might have helped a little since characters from other stories appear. Especially Drew’s best friend, whose story is hinted at but never explained further. Not pivotal to Drew’s story but it does make me curious about what happened to him. Which I guess could be a good ploy to get me to get his book too :) I will say that I’m not sure if it is because I had an advanced copy or if this is the actual finished book but there were some odd word choices and some editing issues (repeated words, weird punctuation, that sort of thing). This being my first book, so it’s hard to say, but while that kind of thing doesn’t really bother me as much I know that it could turn some people off.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

Max is a romantic at heart and looking for someone to share his life with - no puck bunnies for him. When he meets Julianne for the first time he knows that there is something special about her and wants to get to know her better. Then when he finds out exactly what her life has become, he realizes just how strong she is.

Jules is raising her niece and nephews after her sister's death. The insta-family and all that means is taking up all of her time & energy. Even meeting a sexy guy at work only tempts her a little. Luckily for her Max is tenacious and willing to put in a little effort to make sure that they can explore a potential relationship.

I love that Max respects Jules and her needs. He tries to understand where she is coming from and support her, but he’s not willing to let her hide either. If she needs a little push, or a little help, he’s there for that too. There isn’t a lot of drama between them – when bad things happen they face them together and work through it. There is that one requisite freak-out that leads to the HEA moment but it’s handled in line with the rest of the story and doesn't last long. I think that Bennett does a fantastic job of balancing things, especially in the world of a professional athlete where she could have made it a big thing but doesn’t. It’s realistic and sweet and works with the characters she’s given us.

I have been a fan of the Cold Fury hockey team since the very first book and I’m so pleased to see that Bennett continues to bring winners. With her smooth writing, interesting characters and strong story, she once again reminds me why she’s on my go-to author list!

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

So I read Defending Hayden (which came a couple of books before this one) and while I liked it, I didn’t love it. There were some issues for me with the insta-love and how the characters reacted to it. The rest of the story, including the suspense element, worked well but the actions of the characters kept me from being fully vested.

But I definitely remember Jax and when I saw that he got a story I just had to read it.

Jax has done some very bad things for some very stupid reasons but he’s working to be a better teammate and friend. Although he still slips up occasionally :) Like when he meets a hot girl at a restaurant bar only to realize that she knows his rival on the team. Yeah … too hard for him to resist! But time spent with Bristol quickly has him rethinking his plans to use her against his teammate. She’s sexy, smart and fun, and the one-night stand king quickly finds himself thinking of a future with her.

Like with the previous book these two fell in love just a tiny bit too quickly for my taste. They barely spent any time together at all before they started thinking long term but once again if you set that aside the rest of the story is really enjoyable. The parts with Jax’s stalker are obvious but that doesn’t stop it from working well with the rest of the story.

Not one of my top stories but definitely an enjoyable read. And readers who have liked the other books in the series will absolutely love this one too.

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

Although there is a bit of a love story, this is really about Liv finding herself again. She moved away to another state and is now back for her grandmother’s funeral. It’s unfortunate that such a horrible event brought her home but she’s felt guilty about being so far away and now is her chance to reevaluate her life. And it doesn’t hurt to have Scott around as she does :)

I love good ol’ boy Scott. He’s hard-working, caring, friendly and giving. He helps so many people around town. And that include Liv. She’s at a cross-roads and he’s there to give her support but also a little push here & there to stay so that they can explore their feelings. She’s a little prickly and confused and can be difficult but she is also dealing with a lot with the funeral & her future. It can put anyone on edge :) While she’s not the softest person she does love her family and she wants what is best for them. And she may struggle a little but she finds it really hard to resist Scott’s charms … because he wouldn’t!

While this is set at Christmas time it isn’t one of those that is steeped in the holidays. This can easily be enjoyed at pretty much any time of year.

(This is the first in this series that I’ve read but I really enjoyed it and not having that history didn’t seem to bother me.)

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

I love this family and it is only getting better with the addition of Sean. Those that have read the rest of The Flanagan Sisters series will know what to expect – great characters, smooth writing, and a realistic story that draws you in from the start. Boston hasn’t turned away from difficult issues before and she doesn’t here either. She does a great job of putting a face to some hard social issues – like homosexuality, homelessness, teen pregnancy, abuse.

I feel so bad for Sean, that he thinks he has to hide his sexuality and that’s he’s afraid that he won’t be loved if anyone finds out. I know that this isn’t such an uncommon thing, even today (or maybe especially today), but it breaks my heart to have it laid out so well and with such an endearing character. Boston does an amazing job of capturing his fear and showing us why he feels the way he does. You know that he’s wrong about the Flanagan's but he doesn’t and she makes sure you understand that.

Hayden has a lot of patience and is willing to give Sean the time he needs to see that it’s OK to be gay, that his newfound family will still accept him. It’s not easy to hide their attraction but he’s willing to do it for now. It’s a nice contrast of the man who feels comfortable with who he is, loved and accepted by his friends & family, with the man who has been shunned for the same thing.

While Hayden is just so completely awesome (which returning readers already know), it is really Sean’s journey that we are here for. The moment that Sean realizes that he’s going to be OK is so touching and, as he gets some resolution with his present and his past, you feel such joy for him to be able to have that. Even while it is a heartbreaker that he had to be there at all.

Although this is part of a series, it isn’t necessary to have read the rest to enjoy this story but it will help you understand the rest of the characters. And they are such great stories, so why wouldn’t you want to read them all!

*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***