Not having read anything else in this series, I’m not sure why Owen never gets the girl. He’s sexy, funny, and caring. Sure, it would be easy to get overlooked by the puck bunnies who are only after the players but I would think that there would be some smart woman out there who was looking for something a little different.

Lucky for Paige, he hasn’t been found yet. Instead he turns all of that heart, charm and determination on her. And he’s going to need it because she’s a tough nut to crack. Having been the victim of a brutal attack she’s not quite gotten her confidence back - years later she is still covering up her scars and hiding from the world, afraid to put herself out there in any form. But when Owen sets his mind on winning a date, she finds it harder and harder to resist him.

It takes some doing but eventually he’s able to convince her to give him a chance. (The way that he gets her to agree to go out for drinks is CLASSIC … and so is the crash and burn that comes next :) ). With support from her mom, there may be hope that he can claim her heart. And help her find her belief in herself again while he’s at it.

Because the story really focuses on Paige and her issues with getting involved it didn’t matter much that this was the first in the series that I read. It’s going to be emotional for her but it’s definitely time that she let her past go and embrace her future. Not an easy thing to do but with a bit of help she can find a way to embrace the strong, beautiful woman she is today.

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

In Skates Trouble

A great introduction to a new series, this story may br short but it doesn't shortchange readers on heat or heart. I really liked Addy and Ford together. They are fun and flirty and their first meeting sets up the rest of their relationship perfectly. And you have to admire a man who is willing to go after what he wants :). Meader doesn't shy away from difficult issues either, just because she has fewer chapters. Both Addy and Ford have some baggage they need to address before they can move on the the HEA. But they handle it with style and maturity, minimizing the drama. I'm definitely looking forward to what is coming next for the Rebels and their owners.

Lucas is as sexy a cowboy as you could ask for - strong, honest, caring, and maybe just a touch stubborn :)  But Naomi is is a good match for him - just as strong and caring ... and just as stubborn.  Thanks to a mistake that was made while he was a teen, Lucas was sent to prison and after his release he felt he couldn't come back.  Because of that he pushed Naomi away as well (for her own good of course).  Yeah, that goes over as well as you expect.  

I get why Lucas did what he did and why he's stayed away.  And if he even thinks about staying in town he's going to have to face down a lot of negativity.  But time spent with Naomi and her daughter has him thinking about his future a little differently.  Thinking that maybe coming home is the right thing after all.  

Naomi definitely has a reason to not want to give Lucas another chance.  She's been a single mother for years and she's got her daughter's heart to think of too.  She may find herself drawn to Lucas still but the chance that he could leave again means that she's got a lot to lose. 

I think it would be too easy for someone to write off Comeback Cowboy as just another second chance romance, but Richardson delivers a really delightful read.  Her characters have heart (and a boatload of problems) and while the story may be somewhat predictable it is still enticing and hard to put down.  

With years of hurt feelings on her part and the disapproval of the town weighing on his shoulders, Naomi and Lucas don't have it easy.  But with Lucas back in town because of his father's failing health, being together again may just force the two to face their past and make a decision about their future.  

(If you haven't read Hometown Cowboy you can still enjoy this one.  Richardson does a good job keeping you up to date.)

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

I find it funny that it's a mix with Goodreads reviewers about whether this is their first Eternity Springs book or if they are returning readers ... bet you can guess which I am  :)  Some new readers (like me) got a little lost with all of the returning couples and Brick's history with his dad & the Callahan family.  There's a lot of them and it seems like they have quiet the colorful past - all of which probably have their own book that I should be reading.  While it doesn't impact Brick & Lili's story all that much (outside of how Mark Christopher became Brick Callahan, which is given in pieces), there are times when the other couples would reference their past and I would think that it would probably have more impact if I knew what they were talking about.  So ... as a new reader starting here wasn't perfect but it was still an enjoyable story.  And now I'm ready to read about a dozen other books!

Lili has always been the good girl who never quite measured up to her brother.  When there is trouble at work, she takes the opportunity to step away from her life.  While it kinda starts as running away, with time and a lot of caring people she starts to get some much needed clarity.  And an ill-timed romance.  Lili's journey over the summer brings a bit of a woman's fiction vibe to the book and I really enjoyed watching her come into her own.  She's spent too much time falling into line that she needs this chance to discover who she wants to be.  

While I don't have ALL of Brick's history, you get enough to know that he had a (bad) woman do him wrong and so he's sworn off commitment.  Typically once bitten twice shy, he isn't looking for anything serious and definitely not with his old friend's little sister.  While it may have been done before, March still makes it enjoyable to watch Brick fall and fall hard and fight it every step of the way :)  With a little (ok, a lot) of help from his family and friends, he finally gets his head on right and it's a great thing to see. 

I loved the supporting characters here.  Lili's RV pals, especially Patsy, and local favorite Celeste help provide some much needed direction (or forceful encouragement when its needed) for both Lili and Brick.  Reading the story you know that Celeste is a fixture in the Eternity Springs series and I'm sure she's just as fantastic about giving a good kick when someone deserves it :)  

March delivers a fabulous cast of characters who are willing to help a couple address their past so that they don't neglect their future.  With fun, humor, and heart, it's a great addition to anyone's summer tote.

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

Finding Home is not a fast paced book, and that's OK.  It's a slow build between Chase and Jaden as they have a chance to get to know one another and, from that, take a look at themselves as well.  

Jaden is definitely a fish out of water - not just in Florida but with his brothers.  His city up-bringing with an overly-analytical scientist for a mom definitely didn't prepare him for the laid back lifestyle he finds in Serenity.  I loved the quirkiness of Jaden trying to fit in and his awkwardness, especially with his feelings towards Chase.  He quickly touched me and I was rooting for him to figure his stuff out.  

Chase has things a little more in hand.  Everything but his personal life.  It's not that he's afraid of commitment or his sexuality, but living in a small community definitely has its disadvantages  :)  A life that he loves doesn't necessarily mean that there isn't something missing and meeting Jaden brings that point home.  I love how Chase is supportive and understanding.  He can see past Jaden's neuroses and find him just as charming as I did, which made me love him even more.  

I only had a couple of issues with the book.  The main one was with the story because I really wish we'd spent some more time on Jaden getting to know his brothers.  It's there but that was a big part of why he went to Serenity and I felt it got glossed over for the romance with Chase.  Not that the romance isn't a big deal because it really helped Jaden come into himself and was very important for him.  I just wish that we'd gotten just a bit more with the brothers too.  

The other was a few word choices (and probably just a personal problem).  Giggle is just one of those words that doesn't work for me - don't care if you are a man or a woman, it makes the person seem vapid or silly.  I know it is a valid word choice but it ranks up there with simpering for me.  Dainty was also used somewhere and just struck me as a strange.  But it's all minor and may not even be a thing for someone else - like I said, personal problem.  

A discovery piece for Jaden as he works to figure out who he wants to be and what kind of life he wants for himself, Finding Home is a lovely read with characters you want to know and a small-town you want to visit.  It's sweet, and a little bit sexy too ;), but with almost no drama.  (Those three brothers definitely need a HEA of their own so I'm hoping to see more from Ms. Harding!)

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

What starts out as a boss/secretary fantasy novel quickly turns into something more.  Maddie's adoption has left her with some issues regarding her self-worth as well as her ability to apply herself.  Gage has some pretty serious social interaction issues (enough that I'm kinda curious how he's been so successful in business so far).  Both of them are good at making the other one better.  Maddie helps smooth out Gage's rough edges, helping deal with people with more humanity.  And Gage believes that Maddie can, and will, do great which means she starts to believe it too.  

There's humor and heat in Nikky Kaye's work.  She's fantastic at taking a traditional storyline and giving it a little twist  :)

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

How these two thought this would work out boggles the mind.  Don’t get me wrong, I feel for them but it wasn’t the smartest decision ever made  :)

Trent came back from war with scars inside and out.  He suffers from survivor’s guilt, a little PTSD, and a bum leg.  It’s his heart that gives him the most trouble.  His wife left him while he was away and added to the guilt he feels for letting his team down causing him to pretty much turn inwards.  He’s making the motions but he’s not really living life.  The bright spot for him is his sister’s friend Lauren.  She’s the one that seems to understand what he needs during his recovery and he definitely doesn’t want to lose that.  He may be attracted to her but he doesn’t believe he’s in any shape to give away his heart again and she definitely doesn’t deserve anything less. 

Lauren has always had a crush on Trent but he doesn’t see her the same.  She’s been hiding her feelings for a long time but when they get set up by a dating agency it seems like maybe it’s a sign.  Only he’s not willing to risk their friendship (and the support she provides him).  But when their attraction starts getting the best of them they make an agreement for a month of sex … yeah, see what I mean?  They are both old enough to know that that can’t possibly go well. 

There’s a bit of back and forth at the beginning leading up to their agreement, which gives you a good feeling for where they are coming from.  And then they definitely bring all sorts of the sexy for their month together.  It’s the feels that happen afterward, though, that will definitely capture your heart and keep you coming back to see their HEA.  And have you looking forward to the next book.

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

This is a wonderfully emotional journey for Micah. He’s been in a holding pattern since his wife died and whether he realizes it or not it could be time to move on. It’s not easy and he fights it every step of the way, which causes some tense moments for readers and for Sloan. But it’s worthwhile and makes for a pretty great HEA ending.

Sloan is a fantastic friend. She pushes when she thinks Micah needs it (and a lot of times when he doesn’t like it) but she’s got great understanding for him as a person, musician, and a widower. Things may get complicated when their hearts start to get involved, but nothing worthy comes too easily.

Knupp keeps things real and has them working through those bumps, both little and big, until they can find a balance that works for both of them. They both have their hang-ups but by talking through things, and sometimes having a little more trouble listening, they are able to work through them all.

(This is my first Hale Street book but I don’t think it really made any kind of difference. There are characters that I’m sure returning readers will be thrilled to see again and it might have helped me understand who everyone was (because it seemed like a lot of names were thrown around that didn’t seem needed). But the story really revolved around Micah and Sloan and Knupp gave you everything you needed to be able to enjoy their romance.)

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

Poor Breezy!  She meets her biggest crush in quite an embarrassing manner, but Jed (like us) can only be charmed by her.  She’s fun loving, funny and so very real.  Every time something awkward happens I just want to give her a hug. 

Jed knows there is a version of himself that most people see and it is so appealing to be seen as just a guy.  A hot, sexy guy but just a guy.  He’s got a lot on his plate between family pressure and some issues with his career, so having found Breezy gives him that bright spot that he needs at a difficult time. 

You can totally relate to both Jed and Breezy – why he wants to be seen as him and how she ends up hiding her fan status from him.  You know that it isn’t going to go well, that something is going to happen to blow things out of the water.  The best you can do is hope that Jed gets his act together and figures out what a great catch he has in Breezy.  I have to say that he does do pretty well for himself  :)  (Can’t wait to see what comes next … Riley has set us up for quite the doozy of a stand off between Breezy’s sister and Jed’s coach!)

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

Wyatt has perfected the charming rascal face that he shows the world and for the most part he’s found a way to live a life that he wants.  But all is not perfect in his world.  Piper knows what it is like to have the world turn on you but she’s got moxie and is willing to work for what she holds dear.  It can’t be easy for either of them living in such scrutiny, but at least it is something that they can both understand.  And best of all, both of them have a great support system in their friends and family.  (Well, for the most part.) 

Together Wyatt and Piper are a hoot.  From their first introduction to the take no prisoners seduction campaign that Wyatt stages, there is laughter and fun and heat.  He definitely makes it difficult for Piper to do what she feels is best and resist the oh-so-tempting QB.  And then … *sigh* I knew before I started that Wyatt was going to do something to screw things up.  (Well, one of them was and it was most likely going to be him.)  That didn’t stop me from giving these two my heart and then watching him just stomp all over it.  I understand why he does what he does – and major props to the guy for making up for it – but that didn’t stop me from getting mad and hurt … but that’s what tells you you’ve found a great book and an amazing author, right?  That you get so invested in the characters that it feels like you are involved with them too?

I have loved this series from the beginning and I was super excited to be given the chance to not only read this one but to be involved in promoting it.  At least until I realized that Ms. Crowne said this was it, the last of the series.  Say it isn’t so!!!  If this is your first chance to experience these rough and tumble football players (and the women who bring them to their knees) it is definitely a great place to start.  But don’t blame me when you find yourself adding the rest to your TBR pile  :)

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