{Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt} NEIGHBORS AND FAVORS by Kate Davis

Book Tour: NEIGHBORS AND FAVORS by Kate Davis

New apartments should come with a trial period…

I’ve just signed a two-year lease on an apartment I can barely afford.
My job hit a brick wall so I need the place to be perfect to help me get my life back on track. But the first night in, and I already know my neighbor isn’t going to make it easy on me.

Tall, sexy, irresistible (and did I mention the British accent?), Shane Logan likes his nightly activities…a lot. I can hear everything through the paper-thin walls. I’m about to tell him that in not-so-friendly terms when I realize he isn’t just sexy, he’s also friendly and eager to be of help.
Maybe having a neighbor like him isn’t such a bad idea.
I’m a writer in desperate need of inspiration. Shane so happens to turn into mine. With a deadline approaching fast, his offer to do me a favor turns into two and three. Before I know it, he’s forced his way into my life with the tenacity of a whirlwind.

I can deal with the fact that he’s far too loud and far too sexy. But when my dog likes him more than me, I start to get a little suspicious. Soon it becomes clear Shane Logan has secrets.
Plunged into the suspicions surrounding my neighbor, suddenly the only thing I can be sure of is that Shane is fiercely determined to hide the truth about himself.

Remember when I said the lease should have come with a warning?
Well, mine should also have come with a big, red, flashing signal.

Author’s note – Neighbors and Favors is a full-length romantic comedy with no cliffhanger. 

PURCHASE LINKS:
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Neighbors And Favors by Kate Davis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

GENRE: Chick Lit

THEME: Neighbor Romance

REVIEW:

I'm such a sucker for neighbor romances and was super excited about Neighbors and Favors by author Kate Davis, whom also writes as J.C. Reed in her author romance genre. This is very different as stated than her other books and was happy to be introduced to a new to me author.

This was a quirky and fun read, the story follow quirky and pretty much a paranoid hot mess Samantha, who suspects her neighbor is either a womanizer or up to no good and probably a criminal. They meet under some unusual and hilarious circumstances to where her neighbor Shane, becomes her dog walker so that she cant get her muse back to writer her story. From there comes Samantha super fun and hilarious parents who adore their daughter and seems to come in and out of her life and make it all that much more entertaining.

Shane is a big mystery n the story, Samantha is of course thinking all the wrong things about who he is as a person and sadly embarrassing herself half the time. But it makes for some funny moments and great connection between her and Shane.

In the end I did enjoy some laughs and I have to say I loved the heck out of Samantha parents. The romances was almost not really there, so I was a little bummed about that because I was hoping for some more tension filled smoking hot moments. So this was more of a chick lit adventure with the Christian faith to support her journey. I'm not really one to read books that are particularly religious, so I was a little surprised by this as it wasn't hinted when I first started it. However it didn't pull away from the story-line and guided the characters to understand each other and figure out their paths. Overall I had a great time reading about Samantha, her cute dog and her full of life parents.

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EXCERPT

“Well, hello, neighbor.”

I stare at the six-foot-three British guy, taking in his lopsided grin and the cleaning gloves and garbage bags in his hands. He’s wearing a white, snug T-shirt and jeans that hang low on his hips—nothing remarkable, really, but for some reason, he looks like he’s stepped straight out of a fragrance advertisement—you know, the expensive kind.

And for some reason, the realization annoys the heck out of me. No one looks so good in the middle of the night. I know I certainly don’t.

“What do you want?” I squeeze through gritted teeth. My good manners have apparently deserted me.

“Ah, now that’s neighborly friendliness if I ever saw some.” His lips stretch into a stunning smile with perfect, white teeth and two little dimples.

I suck in my breath as another wave of annoyance hits me.

Dimples.

Does he have to have a perfect pair of those?

I mean, why toss him a good thing or two from the genes pool when he can win the whole darn lottery?

I bet his personality sucks.

Apparently, Sammy doesn’t think so because she’s instantly stopped her barking and is now making those tiny wailing sounds that signal elation and are usually reserved for her best friends.

Aka me.

“Like I said, what do you want?” I really want to slam the door in the guy’s face but that goes against everything I stand for. So, I take a deep breath and begin my inner chant.

Patience. Forbearance. I treat my neighbor as I want to be treated.

“Anyone ever told you not to open the door to strangers when they come knocking in the middle of the night?” The guy’s grin widens.

AUTHOR INFO

Kate Davis is a real-life coffee lover with her very own Pomeranian who was her biggest inspiration for this book. Yes, Sammy is real and her favorite command is “cheese.” In fact, it might just be the only command she obeys. Kate loves to play matchmaker, transporting readers to a place where her bold heroines have endearing flaws, the men are fierce and protective, the world isn’t always a safe place, and chivalry is alive and thriving! You can visit both Kate and Sammy online at katedavisauthor.blogspot.com or connect with her on Facebook. 
Stay in touch. She loves to hear from her readers! 

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{Book Tour: Review + Giveaway} Holly Freakin' Hughes by Kelsey Kingsley

Today we have the blog tour for HOLLY FREAKIN’ HUGHES by Kelsey Kingsley! Check it out and grab your copy today!

Holly Freakin' Hughes by Kelsey Kingsley
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
GENRE: Contemporary
THEME: Romance, Book Lovers, Chick Lit
RECEIVED: Tour

BLURB:

31-year-old HOLLY HUGHES is happy with her life. She’s a moderately successful teen advice columnist living in a tiny studio apartment on the Upper East Side with her boyfriend STEPHEN and their cat CAMILLE. She has grand plans of marrying Stephen and having his babies, until Stephen announces that he is in fact gay and in love with someone else, his boss ANTHONY. This twist of fate is the beginning of a slew of life-changing events in poor Holly’s life. Her boss fires her from the magazine for being too old, leaving her unemployed and unable to keep her apartment.

With nowhere else to go, Holly moves back to Long Island to live with her younger sister LIZ and 3-year-old niece ANNA, and takes over as Anna’s babysitter until she can find the confidence to get herself back on her feet.

As a part of her babysitting routine, Holly takes Anna on bi-weekly trips to the local bookstore, where they attend Story Time. On one occasion, Anna just so happens to run face-first into 36-year-old BRANDON DAVIS, a tall, handsome man who just so happens to be an international best-selling author of a fantasy book series. Holly is unaware of this bit of information, and remains oblivious as their friendship and love for each other grows.

When Brandon faces his personal qualms toward his career and confesses who he is to her, Holly is left to face her own issues with inadequacy.

The story deals with acceptance for one’s position in life, forgiveness, and overcoming the feeling of simply not being good enough.

REVIEW:
This was such a refreshing a fun read, yes there is heartbreaking emotional relationships at the beginning but its fun in the sense that the readers get to watch an author and super sweet woman fall in love. This is a lighter romance, some ups and downs for both leads but they really have this fantastic and sweet connection that I couldn’t wait to for these two to figure it out.

Holly Freakin’ Hughes follows Holly, who just had her relationship of many years blow up in her face when her boyfriend shocks her with some surprising news. She is devastated, is unemployed and watching her sister daughter and doesn’t really feel shes going to find that happily ever after. Until she meets Brandon, who also hit a surprising halt in his relationship that he thought was going to lead to marriage. These two become instant friends but both don’t see what right in front of them and they have to hit a lot of buts in the road to get a clear view.

Holly is a bit of a mess, she really puts herself in the bummer zone quite a bit and I wish she was a little more open to seeing the brighter side of things. Her connection with Brandon is sweet, fun and there is heat, but they “friend zone” each other after Brandon gets cold feet. She is defiantly the more aggressive person in their “relationship”, she misses a good connection and even starts a relationship with another man but still feels for Brandon. It’s a roller coaster for sure. I adore her relationship with her family, they are totally rooting for her to find someone, even if it’s a little pushy at time. My only issue with Holly is when she finds out who Brandon is, she kinda goes a little over the top for me, which made me not like her as much.

Brandon, such a sweet guy who really got punch in the face by his ex who seriously was an awful person. He’s extremely passionate about his work, but super passive as he gets nervous with his “celebrity” status. He does keep it from Holly but he liked the “real” connection they had over books and just being normal together. It was fun to watch him want Holly, and he is there for her in every bad turn she makes, especially New Years Eve. In the end I just wanted him to go for it, that if he’d let the past go he would fing Holly was his girl.

Overall this was a cute read, the steamy moments were off the charts, but minimal and the main focus was watching these to navigate what they wanted in life.

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About Kelsey Kingsley:

Kelsey Kingsley grew up in the great state of New York, and still lives there with her family and a cat named Ethel. When she isn’t writing her fingers to the bone, she enjoys a good (or bad) book, reruns ofFrasier, ruining the lives of her Sims, and singing and dancing in the kitchen. She somehow survives off a diet of tea, doughnuts, and French fries. However, she hates cheese and listening to people chew. You’ve been warned.

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{Review} The Coppersmith Farmhouse by Devney Perry

The Coppersmith Farmhouse by Devney Perry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Contemporary
THEME: Romance, Mystery, Mature
RECEIVED: Bought

BLURB:

One old farmhouse brought them together. It could also tear them apart.

Gigi has just uprooted her whole world to start a new life. The unexpected gift of a farmhouse in small-town Montana is just what she and her daughter need to escape big-city loneliness. The last thing she needs is attitude from the town’s sheriff, the most perfectly attractive and ruggedly handsome man she’s ever laid eyes on—and a complete jerk.

Jess knows all about women like Gigi. Beautiful. Sexy. Scheming. She’s stolen his sanctuary, the farmhouse that should have been his. But along with a face full of freckles, she’s got a sharp wit and a backbone of steel—something he doesn’t discover until after making a complete fool of himself. If he can earn back her trust and win her heart, he might just find the home he’s always needed.

REVIEW:

I waited a bit to dig into The Coppersmith Farmhouse, after reading some reviews from both those who loved it to those who went on a rant, which I love to read every point of view. But darn I wish I read this one sooner, I loved it, many compare this to Kristen Ashley who is my ultimate to go author and have an issue with OTT alpha males, the biggest difference with Perry’s alpha male is the he apologizes when he’s wrong, he knows he did something wrong and he owns up to it, where Ashley’s men more grunt and or beat around the bush when they know their wrong, which I love too. Anyways I love the cover design too, as a graphic designer I love when a fellow artist really brings in the “feels” and vibe from the hometown in this book sounds warm, peaceful and beautiful. Okay now onto the review…

The Coppersmith Farmhouse follows Gigi and her daughter Rowen who have left the city for Prescott, a small down where their friend and pretty much adoptive grandfather, Ben, left them a house to live in. Gigi is excited for the new life change and already starting to like her new job as a nurse in the local hospital, until she meets the Sheriff. Sheriff Jess Cleary aka The Brick, is not too happy about Gigi moving into his longtime friend’s house, a man whom he respected and took care of his farmhouse for years. He thinks Gigi may have befriended Ben to get something from him. But Gigi is not too keen on how Jess treats her and puts him in his place. When the towns bad boy and drug dealer starts to cause problems, and Jess and Gigi become targets of something big, the two of them start down an interesting path of love, trust and determination to keep each other safe.

Gigi is a sweetheart, I loved her spitfire attitude toward Jess, yah she caves a little too easy sometimes but he does apologize for his rude behavior on multiple accounts. But what I loved about her the most is her love and devotion towards her daughter Ro, they have a sweet and loving relationship and she is a mamma bear, no one hurts her daughter or puts her in danger.

Jess is the towns protector and his alpha demeanor and presence is a shock to poor Gigi who gets put on his list as someone to protect. He also has to deal with the drugs that are running around town with kids and some bad people who want to run the town, but he seems to always be one step behind. I felt for him, he was so close but just couldn’t put his finger on who was really in charge.

Overall, I loved this book, it had everything for me that I love in stories, romance, great characters, entertaining secondary characters, a town of hilarious and nosey people, and a mystery that had me guessing, well I didn’t figure out who it was before poor Jess. In the end, I highly recommend this series, I’ve already started the second and it’s just as good.

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{Review} of Sustained by Emma Chase

Sustained by Emma Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Romance
THEME: Contemporary, Humor, Chick Lit
RECEIVED: NetGalley

BLURB:

A knight in tarnished armor is still a knight.

When you’re a defense attorney in Washington, DC, you see firsthand how hard life can be, and that sometimes the only way to survive is to be harder. I, Jake Becker, have a reputation for being cold, callous, and intimidating—and that suits me just fine. In fact, it’s necessary when I’m breaking down a witness on the stand.

Complications don’t work for me—I’m a “need-to-know” type of man. If you’re my client, tell me the basic facts. If you’re my date, stick to what will turn you on. I’m not a therapist or Prince Charming—and I don’t pretend to be.

Then Chelsea McQuaid and her six orphaned nieces and nephews came along and complicated the ever-loving hell out of my life. Now I'm going to Mommy & Me classes, One Direction concerts, the emergency room, and arguing cases in the principal's office.

Chelsea’s too sweet, too innocent, and too gorgeous for her own good. She tries to be tough, but she’s not. She needs someone to help her, defend her…and the kids.

And that — that, I know how to do.

REVIEW:

I’ve had author Emma Chase on my author must read list for a while and was super excited to be introduced to her latest in The Legal Brief series. I love the writing and humor, and even though I didn’t read the first in the series, I was easily sucked into the work of lawyers and their very entraining clients.

Sustained follows Jake Becker, a defense attorney who helps clients who have money, power and just need someone to clean up their mess. Jake does this and he’s darn good at it. His life is all about getting what he needs, but he’s known for being cold and not someone who dates. That is until he meets Chelsea McQuaid and her six nieces and nephews, after losing their parents and going on rebellious streaks, Jake kind of gets sucked into their world. Jake connects easily with the little rascals, but also falls for the sweet and in over her head Chelsea. But when things start getting serious, will Jake leave his posh life of fooling around and dealing with the rich? Or will he become a family he didn’t really except to ever have?

Jake at the beginning doesn’t seem like the most likable fellow, he’s cold to the woman whom he sleeps with and doesn’t care about feelings. He helps the people who really shouldn’t get away with their criminal acts, but that’s what his successful law firm does. But when he is pickpocket but Rory McQuaid and Jake decides the kids family should know what he did, he then comes face to face with a whirlwind of chaos. I laughed out loud at a lot of moments with Jake and the McQuaid kids. I loved how they slowly made him part of the family without him even realizing it. Each kid has a special trait, whether it be smart, rebellion, boy crazy or just plain cute, Jake cant resist their charms. Even though this was about the romance between Chelsea and Jake, my favorite parts were every moment the kids were in a scene with Jake.

Chelsea is a young woman who is dealt with a horrible loss of her brother and sister in law. She is handed the task of taking on their six colorful children and when Jake meets her its not going so great. She has tried to get help but until Jake the kids just have made it hard for her to even get a break. Chelsea took some time for me to actually connect with, I liked her persona and I felt for her taking on such a big responsibility. But what was hard for me was how she treated Jake some of the time in the beginning after everything he’s helped her with, it was sometimes very selfish. However Jake always had to be the one to apologies, which I felt she should of grown up and realized the guy was helping her when he didn’t have to. Near the end she wakes up to her position she in and see the importance of Jakes presence for the kids and in her own heart.

Overall I loved this chaotic family, they were so much fun to get to know and I loved the insane moments the kids got themselves into. I cant wait to start the first book in the series and get to know Stanton and Sofia, because I liked their addition to the fun. This was a great read for any occasion, especially if you need a good laugh and some really steamy moments.

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{Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway} of Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Contemporary
THEME: Romance, New Adult, Humor
RECEIVED: Tour

BLURB:

Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!

Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life.

His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order.
Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?

Series Description:
Everyone in Green Valley, Tennessee knows that the six bearded Winston brothers have been imbued with an unfair share of charm and charisma… and are prone to mischief.

Truth or Beard is book #1 in the Winston Brother’s series. Each book is a standalone, full length (110k words), contemporary romantic comedy novel, and follows the romantic exploits and adventures of one of the six Winston Brothers.

REVIEW:

Holy moly I have so been missing out! Penny Reid has a gift, I love the humor and flow of her writing, plus her characters are fantastic. This may be my first introduction, which it was a wonderful one, but I know these characters have been introduced in her other series, so I will have to schedule a reading fest to catch up.

Truth or Beard follows Jessica James who runs into the guys she crushed on since she was young. But her crush and hero Beau also has a twin whom she’s always clashed with. But since the years have passed she has a little mistake in identity at whom she actually runs into at a party. But it’s Duane, and a connection he has held on for starts to spark. In the end Jessica has a dream, traveling the world and seeing all that’s out there, where Duane wants to stay in place.

Jessica comes back to her hometown after college to save up money for her future travels, working now as a math teacher. She has a restless spirit and is now struggling with what he goals are and now the mystery spark she cant deny from Duane. I love the twin confusion, how she has always adored the two Beau who was always the sweet one, but her connection to Duane the moody one that played pranks on her, is a bit of a surprise. Even though I love the idea of travel and adventure, I’m the type to settle and I love small towns so I couldn’t see why she wanted to escape so bad. Of course the readers will get closer on that, but when you have a hot rugged man like Duane who wants you, I wouldn’t totally think twice. The readers will love her sassy attitude and her family was entertaining.

Then there is Duane, ohhh Duane how much I love this guy. He is a charming and sweet man, who loves cars and knows what he wants in life. Duane is one of the six Winston brothers that live in Green Valley. They are all hilariously entertaining and I love every one of them. I cant count how many times I laughed in this book. Duane and Jessica have a great connection right from the beginning, their bickering was the best and boy can they build up some steamy scenes together. I think every person who reads this will fall head over heels for Duane, his devotion towards Jessica is so darn sweet, you just have to root for him to win her heart.

Overall I loved every minute, I may not of been a fan of men with beards before but I’m so digging the scruff now. There are lots of twist and turns the main couple goes on, including a sticky situation with a motorcycle club. I cant wait to read more about the rest of the brothers including Beau and Cletus! So be prepared to have a smiling on your face from beginning to end, because this book is going to entertain the heck out of your cheeks from laughter and steaminess.

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About Penny Reid

SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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{Review} of Only Trick by Jewel E. Ann

Only Trick by Jewel E. Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: New Adult
THEME: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit
RECEIVED: NetGalley

BLURB:

“Don’t Look Back in Anger”

In one night, I lost five years of my life. Here’s what I know …

I was homeless.

I’m a recovering drug addict.

My inked skin crawls from lustful eyes.

I have a serious aversion to women.

My gay partner is a home wrecker.

I own a gun and I’m a damn good shot.

I’m a makeup artist, but it’s an insult to my talent.

I’ve never wanted to possess anything except my Ducati … until I met Darby.

Now here’s what I know since that day in the ER when she pieced me back together … nothing—but a few random thoughts.

My new “friend” is distracting, clingy, and obsessed with acronyms, emojis, and phrases like “breakfast soul mates.”

I didn’t want to like her, but she crawled under my skin and swallowed me whole. Now we’re best friends and she’s my new addiction. I'd drink her from a shot glass, snort her up my nose, or inject her into my veins if I could. What I won’t do … is ever tell her that.

She doesn’t know me … I don’t know me. When those missing years come back, I think she will hate me … I think I will hate me.

My parents named me Patrick Roth, and this is my story.

REVIEW:

I so wasn’t prepared for Only Trick, the characters just sucked me in, and the emotional rollercoaster that both leads went through in the past and future pulled at all my heartstrings. I’m a new fan of Jewel Ann, her creative writing brought two broken characters together, each learning what love can do to heal painful memories.

Only Trick follows Darby Carmichael, meets Patrick aka Trick who comes in for stiches one night on her shift. Darby was so affected by him that she lost her usual professional demeanor. After their first meeting, Darby and Trick meet again and again, a friendship builds and they become so synced in each other’s lives that they start to need each other. But even though Darby is attracted to Trick, their relationship cant become anything more because well… Trick is gay.

Darby is a sweet girl who grew up with a not so kind father, a US senator and his younger wife. She is supposed to make sure she doesn’t ruin her father’s perfect image. I adored Darby, she has this super sweet relationship with her Nana, the one parental figure, who is Darby’s number one support. The hardest part for Darby was that she was falling for Trick, their cute BFF relationship was hilarious and they were really there for each other in times of need. But with Trick being gay, Darby was struggling with her feelings, not wanting to ruin their relationship. Darby has to go through a lot of ups and down in her home life with her father and with Trick, who is having trouble with his past.

Patrick Roth is a man with a missing past. He is sure of a few things, he was an addict, lost his parents, and has sworn off women. He is a broken man who is trying to get his life together, and that’s to his friend Grady he’s become a well-known make-up artist for the rich and famous. But after meeting Darby and having someone around who just gets him, everything changes. I loved Tricks loud lifestyle but also didn’t know how much longer he was going to hold out on Darby. Their connection is undeniable, the sparks just keep getting hotter and hotter between them, I couldn’t wait for the fire to start. His character is the most developed in the end, he has one heck of a story because of his past and you’ll adore him, want to hug him and also hope he can find away to love again.

Overall I loved every little twist and turn, both leads have a lot of obstacles but have so much support for them to find happiness. Trick is a complicated character, he, I felt was the main focus since his life was so unknown. Darby is his touchstone and the one person who can bring out the real Trick. I cant wait for read more from Jewel Ann and highly recommend Only Trick for anyone looking for a steamy romance with an intensely captivating storyline.

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{Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway} of Part Time Cowboy by Maisey Yates

Part Time Cowboy by Maisey Yates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Contemporary
THEME: Romance, Country, Chick Lit
RECEIVED: Tour
Published by: Harlequin
Publication date: March 31st 2015

BLURB:

A one-time bad girl comes home to small-town Oregon in the first in a sexy, heartfelt new series from USA TODAY bestselling author Maisey Yates…

Sadie Miller isn’t expecting any welcome-home parades on her return to Copper Ridge. Least of all from part-time rancher, full-time lawman Eli Garrett. The straight-laced, impossibly hot deputy sheriff glares at her like she’s the same teenage hoodlum who fled town ten years ago. But running from her demons has brought Sadie full circle, ready to make a commitment at last. Not to a man, but to a B and B. On Garrett land. Okay, so her plan has a tiny flaw…

Eli works too hard to let a blonde ball of trouble mess up his town. But keeping an eye on Sadie makes it tough to keep his hands off her. And if she’s so wrong for him, why does being with her feel so right?

REVIEW:

Heartstrings are definitely being pulled right about now. After finishing Part Time Cowboy I’m not sure what I need more, a hug or a glass of wine and snuggle with my man. The first in the Copper Ridge series introduces the Garrett family and the folks who live in the small town of Copper Ridge. There was so much angst, romance and heartbreaking moments, but all in all some wonderful characters who really pull you into their world.

Part Time Cowboy follows Sadie Miller who is moving back to her hometown after many years of moving around. Leaving her job as a therapist back in San Diego she has decided to come home to run a B and B and start a permanent life. But her first few minutes back bring her face to face with her past, the man who arrested her, which lead to many terrible events. Eli Garrett remembers Sadie for causing lots of trouble, but he soon realizes her spunk and chaos is hard to resist. Together they try to beat the attraction but when the past bring bad memories back they both open up and find out there is much more to their story.

Sadie is a sweet and sassy girl who has some bad memories of her hometown. But she’s ready to settle down for good and even decided to lease a B and B on enemy land. Sadie knew she was going to deal with her past especially the Garrett’s whose land she’s living on, but Eli Garrett just brings out the mean in her. She also cant help but notices that Eli as always is a mans man, and it spark a little heat inside her. I loved the angst and major tension between Eli and Sadie, she’s always snarky with a good remark or turning their conversation into something dirty, I was laughing at all her awkward moments. She also was able to bring back some life into the Garrett’s, Conner was living in a shell, Eli always needing to be perfect, and Kate having to deal with her brooding brothers. Sadie was a fund but chaotic touch to the Garrett household.

Eli wasn’t happy to see Sadie back in town and knew trouble was following. What he didn’t know was how much she had changed and that her past wasn’t exactly what he thought it was. Eli is the soon to be sheriff and likes things to be a certain way, Sadie kind of interrupts his life and distracts him from his normal routine. I liked how this big alpha male slowly started to give in, realizing his connection to Sadie and that he was all-wrong about miss trouble. The sparks are there from the moment they meet and boy do they catch fire through out the rest of the book.

Overall I really enjoyed this first look into Copper Ridge, Yates has a great way of introducing characters and making them very memorable. I loved the small town vibe and community of friends and family that can be brought together easily. Sadie and Eli are very different but also have the undeniable connection that I adored, especially the cute awkward moments. I cant wait to learn more about Conner the eldest bother, he’s had it tough and I really want the poor guy to have some happiness again.

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AUTHOR BIO:
USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.

In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

Author links: Site | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

{Review} of Hero by Samantha Young

Hero by Samantha Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Contemporary
THEME: Romance
RECEIVED: NetGalley

BLURB:

Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that she and her mother weren't his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they're on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again…

REVIEW:

I’m such a fan of the Dublin Street series and how Young brings together two people so different from each other and challenges them in love and life. Hero brought it up a notch; the back-story for both leads connects them through their broken families. The emotions of each character really pulled me into the story and I rooted for both of them to surpass what happened to their parents.

Hero follows Alexa Holland who has just come face to face with the son of the family whom her father damaged. All her life Alexa has been an outcast of her well-known family, he father broke up a family which ended up tragic. Her father was shunned as well as Alexa. When she meets Caine Carraway all she can think of is redemption and letting Caine know she is nothing like her father. But he doesn’t want anything to do with her until the option for hiring her brings on his vengeful side. With Alexa in close proximity and her sweet and snarky persona slowly getting under his skin, he cant resist their growing attraction. But Caine is having trouble forgetting and Alexa cant keep up with his mood swings. Then danger starts knocking on het door when Alexa becomes a target, bringing out Caines protective side.

Alexa is a sweet and hard working young woman, who does have a few foot in mouth moments. When she meets Caine, she means well by telling him she is the daughter of the man who hurt his family. Even though I felt she could have handled it differently, she really just wants to apologize for he horrible her fathers’ decision was. Caine’s actions afterwards are so hurtful, but even he cant resist her charm when refuses to go down quietly. I adored her fight; she wasn’t going to back down to his wealthy and cold demeanor. Alexa is a tough and extremely smart cookie; she is hired as Caines personal assistant, but is used to do anything and everything for him. This causes some intense tension and hilarious snarky comebacks, but it also starts to show Caine that she is nothing like he pictured. Alexa also is trying to reconnect to her fathers family, her grandfather being the only who connects with her secretly as his family wants nothing to do with her. It breaks my heart to see her suffering from her family ignoring her as well as Caines hot and cold treatment, she doesn’t seem to catch a break.

Caine is hard to figure out at the beginning, he’s wealthy, good looking and seems to be calm and collected. That is until he meets Alexa and his alpha male side comes out and his cold demeanor wreaks her life even more. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like him until I saw him starting to open and to Alexa, she started to slowly open up about her dislike of what he father did, the damage that was also caused to her mother and that she lost a lot as well. Their connection wasn’t just their family issues but also they couldn’t resist their chemistry, the tension built up so much that it was instant fireworks and heat when they finally caved. But Caine has a huge issue with opening up and Alexa is someone he cant shake. It was interesting to see him trying to fight his feeling and frustrating when he puts the wall back up.

Overall Young never disappoints me, her well written and emotionally driven story lines are always hook line and sinkers for me. I was a bit of an emotional mess from beginning to end, not knowing if I was going to be a HEA ending. But thankfully I can always count on Young to keep me happy and on the edge of my seat. As always I highly recommend anything by Samantha Young especially if you’re looking for smoking hot romance and a wonderfully addicting story.

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