#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

This is a sweet, light, friends to lovers romance.
Lovelight Farms
By: B.K. Borison
Narrated by: Pippa Jayne

Series: Lovelight, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 09-20-22
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
A pasture of dead trees, a hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons, and shipments that have mysteriously gone missing—Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.
In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, she enters a contest with instafamous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, she might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on the application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only there is no boyfriend.
Enter her best friend Luka Peters. He just came home for some hot chocolate, and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process.
Lovelight Farms is a romantic comedy featuring a handsome freckled data analyst, a messy, optimistic Christmas-tree-farm owner, and a small town with the best hazelnut lattes on the east coast.
This sweet and steamy romance is a holiday happily ever after and the first book in a series of interconnected standalones following the three Lovelight owners.
©2021 B.K. Borison (P)2022 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Stella’s left the normal work world to pursue her dream of creating a magical winter wonderland at her Christmas tree farm, Lovelight Farms. She has invested all of her savings and would feel like things would be okay except for a run of bad happenings. Fencing is collapsing, one whole section of trees is dead, a family of raccoons seems to have taken over the barn, and a shipment of fertilizer keeps going astray. As a means to revive the tree farm, she enters a contest with a famous travel spot influencer to promote the farm as a romantic destination for the holiday. The publicity and $100,000.00 prize would be a great boon for her situation. The only issue is that she lied on the application saying the farm was co-owned with her boyfriend. But Stella doesn’t have a boyfriend.

Since the influencer, Evelyn St. James, is showing up soon to check out the farm, Stella has to come up with a serious boyfriend. Fortunately, her best friend, Luka Peters, comes in from out of town and agrees to play the part. Stella immediately begins taking walks with Luka so the townsfolk can see them together and get the picture they are serious.

Luka and Stella have been best friends since being childhood neighbors. It is clear to everyone, including the reader, that they have great affection for each other. But, having had a father walk out on her when she was young and a mother who bounced from relationship to relationship, Stella has always held men at a distance. She has been determined not to mess up her friendship with Luka by having a sexual relationship with him.

Luka has always cared for Stella but has not known how to show her how he truly feels. He doesn’t want to risk their friendship either, but he may not be able to continue without revealing his feelings.

Matters get more complicated as Evelyn arrives and loves the farm but suspects a problem. Then it becomes clear that the incidents of damage have not been accidental but have been sabotage. Luka may find it easier to help the town sheriff stop the harassment than getting Stella to acknowledge the feelings between them.

I did enjoy this sweet romance but got annoyed by Stella’s lack of courage. She seems totally blind to how much Luka, and her friends, love her and want to help. Someone really needed to wake her up! Luka was a great character and Stella had friends who were supportive too, especially once she let them in. I recommend this to reader who enjoy friends to lovers stories. And the Christmas magic is an extra bonus.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Pippa Jayne. Her voice fit the story and the character of Stella perfectly. She didn’t do as well on the male voices but it didn’t hurt the story. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2022 NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2022NetGalley goal.

Audible Book Review: Christmas Every Day by Beth Moran

I enjoyed this sweet, light romance.
Christmas Every Day
By: Beth Moran
Narrated by: Helen Keeley

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 09-17-19
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
When Jenny inherits her estranged grandmother’s cottage in Sherwood Forest, she has nothing to lose - no money, no job, no friends, no family to speak of, and zero self-respect. Things can only get better....
Her grumpy but decidedly handsome new neighbour, Mack, has a habit of bestowing unsolicited good deeds on her. And when Jenny is welcomed into a rather unusual book club, life seems to finally be getting more interesting.
Instead of reading, the members pledge to complete individual challenges before Christmas: from finding new love and learning to bake to completing a daredevil bucket list. Jenny can’t resist joining in, and soon a year of friendship and laughter, tears and regrets unfolds in the most unexpected ways.
Warm, wise, funny and utterly uplifting. What one thing would you change in your life before Christmas comes around?
©2019 Beth Moran (P)2019 Boldwood Books Ltd

Review:
Jenny has suffered a major blow to her heart in an embarrassing reveal when her secret beau proposes publicly to her sister. Her mother tells her of her grandmother’s cottage in Sherwood Forest. Jenny sets off with the goal of starting a new life where she depends on no one but herself. She just had no idea that the cottage had been abandoned since her grandmother’s death and is in deplorable condition. But first she has to get into the dwelling. A gruff, handsome man, her neighbor, Mack, challenges her before offering help once he knows who she is and sees she is basically stranded. Jenny wants no help and is annoyed, but reluctantly grateful for her reclusive neighbor’s good deeds behind her back.

Jenny is determined. She finds a part time job at a local diner – no pay but food. Then she gets another job as a ‘nanny’ to five children who have driven away former nannies. For the first time in her life, Jenny is making friends and learning how to live on her own. She joins a local book group that fights over books to read. They decide to challenge themselves to a project to complete before Christmas.

Meanwhile, a local realtor is pressuring Jenny to sell the dilapidated cottage, and someone is trying to scare her away. First it is just a chase through the woods but then things escalate. Mack keeps trying to help Jenny in small ways. Mack has even agreed to be her escort to attend her sister’s wedding to her former boss. Jenny might be tempted to lean on their friendship until she learns that Mack is married and will be bringing his spouse back to the forest soon.

Things get jumbled with lack of forthright communication that leads to hidden and mistaken identities. Jenny struggles with her self-image and self-worth, not realizing her own strengths. I liked the numerous characters who come along to encourage Jenny. The repartee is quick and sweet, and Christmas gets to play a part in Jenny’s new life. I appreciated the growth as friends and minimal sexual content. I would like to read/listen to more by this author and I recommend this to fans of romantic comedy.

Audio Notes: Helen Keeley does a fine job with the narration and the British accent was fun. There are numerous characters and, for the most part, she was able to provide distinct voices. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: October 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Plus One Pact by Portia MacIntosh

This is a sweet story with conflict from miscommunications.

The Plus One Pact
By: Portia MacIntosh
Narrated by: Karen Cass

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
Release date: 05-21-20
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
What if your plus one could be the one?
Cara has officially run out of men. Her most recent dates have gone from bad to worse, and when her dating app informs her there is no one left in her area to choose from, she is at a dead end.
But with a summer of events ahead of her, she needs to find a solution, fast; someone to keep her company at the never-ending weddings, family gatherings and gender-reveal parties that she can’t face going to alone. So when she meets handsome, confident, Millsy on a night out, she may be in luck. They could not be more different in personality, but he, too, has a summer of events ahead and is desperate to get his family off his back about finding a ‘nice girl’. What if they made a pact to help each other out and be a plus one for the summer? Just as friends of course?
A brand-new romantic comedy from best seller Portia MacIntosh, perfect for fans of Zara Stoneley, Sophie Ranald and Mhairi McFarlane.
©2020 Portia MacIntosh (P)2020 Boldwood Books

Review:
Cara is getting low on the available men on her dating app. After she escapes from a ‘babysitting” date, Cara is at the bar waiting to meet the latest man…who doesn’t show up. Instead, a handsome man steps over to offer to sit with her so she doesn’t have to continue to sit alone. Although a little wary, Cara and Millsy seem to be immediately comfortable with each other. She has given up on men and Millsy is reportedly a ‘player’ who is willing to just be there as a friend for Cara.

Millsy takes Cara out for a makeover and slowly her confidence begins to grow. They agree to be each other’s ‘plus one’ for the summer events especially his best (girl) friend’s wedding and her cousin’s wedding where she refused to be a bridesmaid in a dress that they wouldn’t allow her to alter to fit and where her former boyfriend is expected as a special guest.

Their friendship is moving along really well and Millsy even provides a spare room to live in when Cara’s replacement apartment falls through. Then they get to the awkward moments, without an agreed plan, of “how did you meet?”, “how long have you been dating?”. There are more concerns when meeting each other’s family and Cara is pursued by Millsy nemesis, his handsome brother.

This is a fun romantic comedy. There is easy camaraderie and fun, light conflict. Although there is a bit of sexual references on the side, there is no actual engagement until late in the story. I appreciated the style and lightness of the story. I recommend this to fans of light romantic comedy.

Audio Notes: Karen Cass does a good job with the narration. I am she manages different voices to distinguish the characters, most of which are British. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2/19/2022 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Every Day in December by Kitty Wilson

This has a bit of drama but it is a very nice romance for two injured souls.
Every Day in December
By: Kitty Wilson
Narrated by: Katy Sobey, Joe Jameson

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 08-20-21
Publisher: One More Chapter
Genre: Christmas, Holiday, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Two people. One month to fall in love.
Belle Wilde loves December. Yes, she’s just lost her job, and Christmas is not a good time to find yourself ‘financially challenged’. And yes, her parents are still going on about the fact that she really should have it all together by now. But Belle believes that in December, magic can happen.
Rory Walters hates December. Whilst it looks like his life is together, he’s still reeling from a winter’s night five years ago when his life changed forever. Now back at home, he’s certain that this will be yet another Christmas to endure rather than enjoy.
But as midnight on December 31st draws closer, Belle and Rory’s time together is coming to an end. With a little help from a Christmas miracle, could Belle find the one thing she really wants underneath the mistletoe?
©2021 Kitty Wilson (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Review:
Belle loves December and Christmas. She may have to struggle this season as she lost her job. She is fortunate when she lands two jobs that she enjoys even though she knows her family will still mock her efforts to make her own way.

Rory doesn’t like Christmas as it reminds him of great loss in his life. And that loss occurred in his hometown so he has avoided visiting. Now he has returned as his mother is facing health issues.

Rory is pleased to bump into a former college friend, Belle, and he finds himself wanting to help her find positive support. Belle is surprised when Rory begins to give her a friendly ear and moral support. She decides to become his Christmas elf to show him the joy of the holiday.

Belle has sworn off men after a history of choosing the wrong type of men. Rory is expected to return to his life overseas so neither plans on developing a relationship. Yet, Belle and Rory are distinct characters who find common friendship that is growing on them.

In spite of true to life personal issues and drama in this book, (which are elements I tend to avoid), Ms. Wilson has created characters that I could and did root for. It isn’t an easy or quick romance, but it is satisfying in delivering Christmas magic. I recommend this as a lovely Christmas romance.

Audio Notes: Katy Sobey and Joe Jameson do a fine job of narrating this in the alternating voices. They both made the characters more alive and engaging. I am very glad I listened to this.

Source: 11/30/2021 Audible Book Sale $5.00. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Audio Book Review: You Dropped a Blonde On Me by Dakota Cassidy

This is a fun, easy romance.

You Dropped a Blonde On Me
Written By: Dakota Cassidy
Narrated By: Hollie Jackson

Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: June 2020
Duration: 11 hours 53 minutes
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
She was the perfect party-planning, haute-to-the max trophy wife. Now Maxine Cambridge is broke, unemployable, and living with her mother and teenage son in a retirement village, with her self-esteem kicked to the curb.
Until her geeky former classmate Campbell Barker returns, all grown-up and off-the-scale smokin' hot. Campbell refuses to believe Max isn't that smart, funny girl he's crushed on since high school. The more Max tries to show him he's wrong, the more she rediscovers her long-retired mojo. Now, she's ready to throw down some payback on her ex-life and fight for what she deserves....
Contains mature themes.
©2020 Dakota Cassidy (P)2020 Tantor

Review:
Maxine married an older, wealthy man, at age twenty and now, twenty years later, her cheating husband is ready for another age twenty (or younger)-year old. And the arrogant “B” is giving her nothing, not even the clothes, or shoes in her closet! He is even depriving their teenaged son, Connor.

Max and Connor are living in a retirement village with Max’s mother while Max tries to get a job. Max is begging for a job at a local fast food shop when a hunky man walks in and tries to rescue her. The man turns out to be a once geeky, former classmate, Campbell. Campbell tries continually to encourage Max who is totally down on herself.

Max is actually a fun character especially once she gets beyond her lack of confidence. It is sad to see what can happen when a woman makes herself a servient mat to her husband. But Max comes out of her shell when she starts working with the elderly people in the village and she finally confronts her soon to be ex when she fights for Connor. I loved Campbell’s attitude and he deserves a lot of credit for his patience. It is fun to watch the progression and root for Max and Campbell to get together.

The dialog, including Max’s internal dialog, includes some funny phrases. There are a couple of strong sexual scenes and a little bit of language. I have some additional books by Ms. Cassidy which I will have to try soon. I recommend this to romance fans who enjoy humor and more mature characters.

Audio Notes: Hollie Jackson does a really good job on the narration. She provides good voices and energy for Max and the other characters. I enjoyed the audio and would like to hear more of Jackson’s narration.

Source: 8/2020 Two for One Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Book Review: Miss Kane's Christmas by Caroline Mickelson

This is a cute, light romance with Christmas magic.

Miss Kane's Christmas
(Christmas Central #1)
by Caroline Mickelson.

ASIN : B009SU0NVO
Publisher : Bon Accord Press (October 17, 2012)
File size : 602 KB
Page Length : 138 pages
Genre: Christmas, Holiday Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

With Christmas only three days away, Carol Claus agrees to her father's request that she leave the North Pole on a mission to help save Christmas. Joining single father Ben Hanson and his children for the holidays seems an easy enough task until Santa informs her that Ben is the man behind the disturbing new book 'Beyond Bah Humbug: Why Lying to Your Children about Santa Claus is a Bad Idea'.
Posing as Miss Kane, the children's new nanny, Carol pulls out all the stops to show Ben how fun Christmas can be, all the while struggling to understand how one man could hate the holidays so much. How could she, Santa's only daughter, be so attracted to a man who refuses to believe her father exists?

Review:
Santa Claus asks his daughter Carol to handle a mission to save Christmas. A single father, Ben Hanson, is about to submit for publication a book that calls Santa a lie and a hoax. Carol, aka Miss Kane, is dropped at the man’s door to serve as the new nanny for his two children.

Ben lost his wife and the children their mother several years before when she died of illness. Ben did tell the full truth to his children about their mother, but he froze his feelings and has shared no happiness since her death. The children, Hillary age eight and Patrick age x have grown accustomed to a household with little fun and no laughter, but they long for more. They are thrilled when Miss Kane arrives bringing a burst of Christmas enthusiasm and joy with her.

Ben is set on sending Miss Kane away the morning after her arrival but circumstances require that she stay a few days. It is just three days before Christmas and Carol is intent on bringing the Christmas spirit into the Hanson home before she returns to the North Pole. As she grows closer to the family, she fears first that she will fail to win Ben over even with a little Christmas magic, and second that she may not be able to return to her own home without great sorrow.

This is a cute little story that is the stuff of Hallmark movies. Carol overflows Christmas joy and the children are ready to soak it in. Ben is a reluctant participant in the holiday festivities, but it would be hard for anyone to resist Carol’s enthusiastic spirit. This is an easy, quick read. I recommend this to fans of light Christmas romance.

Source: Free Kindle December 2012. This qualifies for 2020TBR goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Reimagining Mr. Right by Wynter Daniels

This is a fun romance with a touch of magic.

Reimagining Mr. Right
by Wynter Daniels

File Size: 372 KB
Print Length: 234 pages
Publisher: CPC Publishing (January 7, 2020)
ASIN: B07YSQ6J3X
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Former ugly duckling Sydney McCoy yearns to break into television. And the hottest guy she works with—TV sports personality, Chip Haggerty—could be her ticket to the airwaves. Too bad that Chip hardly knows Sydney is alive. Worse, she has no clue how to speak Chip’s sports-oriented language.
Up-and-coming real estate agent Levi Barnett is desperate to convince the owner of a hot downtown property to sell so the company Levi works for can redevelop the site into a multi-million-dollar complex. When he literally crashes into a woman he knew in high school who could champion his cause, he’ll do anything to get Sydney’s help. All she wants from him in return is help communicating with her office crush. No problem! But when Levi starts to fall for the beautiful Sydney, he wonders if he’s making the worst mistake of his life by being her would-be Cyrano de Bergerac.

Review:
Although Sydney is now trim and attractive, she tends to see herself as the overweight nerd she was in high school. She developed an unrequited crush on the popular football player, Levi, whom she tutored. Years later Sydney is a good reporter hoping to break into television. She is set on dating a co-worker, ex-baseball star, Chip, who is a popular TV sports personality. Chip often gets Sydney to fine-tune his reports but he hasn’t noticed her as a woman. Sydney thinks she could get his attention if she could only understand all the sports lingo he constantly throws out.

Levi is now a successful real estate agent who hopes to gain a partnership with his company. He is working hard to talk two downtown property owners into selling to his company so they can redevelop the site. Meanwhile, the boss’s daughter is pursuing Levi to renew their relationship that he ended several months back.

Levi literally crashes into Sydney outside a coffee shop. She recognizes him immediately but had to remind him of who she was. He is smitten and will do anything to renew a friendship with her. He is frustrated when she only wants his help to get Chip’s interest.

With Levi’s help, Sydney manages to start dating Chip. Her dad, a sports enthusiast, is excited to meet Chip and Chip is even able to help Sydney’s ailing mother. But Sydney is conflicted as she is enjoying her time with Levi and beginning to realize that Chip might not be the prize boyfriend she wants.

Levi wants to help Sydney and Sydney wants to help Levi realize his dreams. Along the way, they get crossed messages. Will they deny their attraction to each other thinking it is best for the other?

These are fun characters with vulnerabilities and conflicts that contribute to a star-crossed romance. The story is lighthearted even as it deals with emotional baggage. There is a touch of paranormal in the midst of the story which is fun and interesting but played only a small part. I am curious if it is a larger part of some of the other books and I would be glad to read more in the series. I recommend this as a fun “rom-com”.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020NetGalley and 2020Audiobook goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: A Vintage Summer by Cathy Bramley

I really enjoyed this 'bubbly' summer romance.
A Vintage Summer
by Cathy Bramley


File Size: 2500 KB
Print Length: 407 pages
Publisher: Transworld Digital (March 21, 2019)
ASIN: B07DXG729W
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

A sparkling summer story that's FULL of surprises!
London has not been kind to Lottie Allbright. Realising it’s time to cut and run, she packs up and moves back home – but finds her family in disarray. In need of a new place to stay, Lottie takes up the offer of a live-in job managing a local vineyard. There’s a lot to learn – she didn’t even know grapes could grow so far north!
Butterworth Wines in the rolling Derbyshire hills has always been run on love and passion but a tragic death has left everyone at a loss. Widowed Betsy is trying to keep the place afloat but is harbouring a debilitating secret. Meanwhile her handsome but interfering grandson, Jensen, is trying to convince her to sell up and move into a home.
Lottie’s determined to save Butterworth Wines, but with all this and an unpredictable English summer to deal with, it’ll be a challenge.
And that’s before she discovers something that will turn her summer – and her world – upside down . . .

Review:
Lottie was excited to move to London with her new boyfriend. Slowly she realizes that he is cutting her off from others, becoming over-controlling and edging towards abuse. Lottie makes a smart choice to go home before things get worse. She arrives to find her sister in distress over estrangement from her husband over their childless status and her father ready to head out on a trip he never got to take before her mother died. Lottie is desperate to find a place to live and to find a job. She is shocked to fall into a live-in position as a manager of a local vineyard.

Butterworth Wines is owned by Betsy, a recent widow whose husband was the leader and driving force behind the vineyard. Most of the workers are volunteers. Although Lottie knows nothing about viticulture (vine growing and harvesting), she is willing to work hard and learn fast. This works especially since everyone is thrilled to let her take control. The only person challenging her inexperience is Betsy’s grandson, Jensen. He thinks it is best to sell the vineyard and facilitate Betsy moving into an assisted living situation.

Lottie is quick to begin to turn things around at the winery and she would like to keep the property in the Butterworth family to honor the founder. She has only been engaged for six months and doesn’t know if she can convince Jensen to continue the business especially when he is on the brink of promotion in his business career. And that is how things stand when a new discovery rocks her world with a ripple effect that will impact everyone in the story.

I am not usually a big fan of relationship drama but this story leans to humor and is simply charming, interesting and engaging. Lottie is a wonderfully real character with strengths that outweigh her insecurities. I loved how her personal journey developed and I enjoyed the support she received from the quirky, passionate characters around the vineyard. Jensen is also a lovely character and their relationship conflict bounces between struggle and joy.

The setting and winery experience is a great element. I enjoyed learning about viticulture and its growth in Britain as well as some of the details and difficulties of the process of making wine. There is good movement in the story and light humor that helps with the enjoyment. I recommend this to readers who would enjoy a relationship story that will bring sighs and smiles. I will have to look for other romances by Ms. Bramley.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Audio Book Review and Giveaway: The Hashtag Hunt by Kristina Seek

I enjoyed this quick, fun romantic comedy.
The Hashtag Hunt
By: Kristina Seek
Narrated by: Andrea Emmes, Tim Paige

Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-12-19
Language: English
Publisher: The Audio Flow, LLC
Genre: Clean Romance, Inspirational Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The only reason Lauren entered the Hashtag Hunt was for the $10,000 grand prize. She needed seed money for her startup, and it sounded easy enough: 12 hours to text 12 photos to someone called the Wizard. For hashtag number five, Lauren needs a #HottieInTheWild, and with the help of her best friend, Ivy, she finds the perfect subject.
The only reason Brenner entered Barkley’s Pub was to have beers with Scott, an Army brother back in town. The reunion is interrupted when a woman is caught crouched in a dark corner, taking pictures of Brenner. Lauren explains, and though embarrassed, she accepts Scott and Brenner’s offer to help with hashtag number six.
While hunting for hashtags, Lauren finds adventure and romance with her #Hottie, but she must stay focused to beat the clock and win the cash.
©2018 Kristina Seek (P)2019 The Audio Flow, LLC

Review:
Lauren has a great group of friends who support her. Her friend Ivy has inherited funds and she would be more than happy to gift or lend the money Lauren needs to open her dream store, Paperback Vinyl, for used books, records and related items. But Lauren is set on earning her own way before opening the store. She has entered Hashtag Hunt, an online contest hoping to win the $10,000.00 prize. The hunt requires texting 12 specific images in 12 hours to the host, “Wizard”.

Ivy has helped Lauren get into the top five of the leader board as they begin Challenge 5 of 12: #HitW, Hottie In The Wild. The girls are ready to leave the current pub when a new man walks in. Lauren has found her HitW and sets out to surreptitiously get pictures of him. Then he and his service buddy, Scott, capture Lauren in the act.

When Brenner and Scott, “Skully”, learn the reason for the pictures, they insist on joining the party. Scott is immediately intent on getting to know Ivy better and Brenner is pleased to find out if Lauren has any flaws. The guys add great banter and romance on the hunt while Lauren calls other friends to help locate items needed which include: dumpster find, ‘old school’, pay phone and more. Lauren starts to fall for Brenner, but she has to keep her head about her to stick within the rules if she is going to win the contest.

I quickly was pulled in by the light tone of the story and the fun friend interaction. I’ve always loved scavenger hunts and road rallies and I loved the idea of this contest. The rules made it tricky and challenging which I liked. The addition of the romance interest is sweet and at times sappy. Not everyone believes in love at first sight (it’s how I met my hubby) but even if it is strong interest at first sight it makes the story upbeat and warm. I also liked how the story rotates POV between Lauren and Brenner. This kept the momentum and interest engaging for me. I would enjoy reading/listening to more fun stories from Ms. Seek and I recommend this to romance readers looking for a cute, lighthearted story.

Audio Notes:Andrea Emmes and Tim Paige do a great job with the narration. They share the light tone and fun energy. The narration enhanced an enjoyable experience.

Source: Blitz Tour through Caffeinated PR Tours to post 7/18/19. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

The Hashtag Hunt by Kristina Seek

The Hashtag Hunt by Kristina Seek narrated by Andrea Emmes -Award Winning, Best Selling Audiobook Narrator and Tim Paige. Check out the deets, listen to a sound bite and enter to win a fabulous prize. We think you're going to love this fun, original romance.

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About the Author

Kristina Seek's debut novel, The Hashtag Hunt, was published in 2018. She is a graduate of Queens College in Charlotte and a member of Romance Writers of America. In March of 2019, she quit her day job to focus on a career in writing. Kristina lives in North Carolina with her husband and son. She cherishes time with her friends and family, loves traveling to new destinations, and wants to cross off the other items on her bucket list.

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Audible Book Review: The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn

This is nicely romantic although not my favorite by this author.

The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband
A Bridgertons Prequel
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: The Rokesbys, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-30-17
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Historical Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 5.0

Publisher's Summary
With her brother, Thomas, injured on the battlefront in the colonies, orphaned Cecilia Harcourt has two unbearable choices: move in with a maiden aunt or marry a scheming cousin. Instead she chooses option three and travels across the Atlantic, determined to nurse her brother back to health.
But after a week of searching, she finds not her brother but his best friend, the handsome officer Edward Rokesby. He's unconscious and in desperate need of her care, and Cecilia vows that she will save this soldier's life, even if staying by his side means telling one little lie.
When Edward comes to, he's more than a little confused. The blow to his head knocked out three months of his memory, but surely he would recall getting married. He knows who Cecilia Harcourt is - even if he does not recall her face - and with everyone calling her his wife, he decides it must be true, even though he'd always assumed he'd marry his neighbor back in England.
Cecilia risks her entire future by giving herself - completely - to the man she loves. But when the truth comes out, Edward may have a few surprises of his own for the new Mrs. Rokesby.
©2017 Julie Cotler Pottinger (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Cecilia just lost her (less than caring) father when she receives a military letter that her brother Thomas has been injured. Cecilia sets off across the Atlantic to the Colonies to find her brother. Instead she discovers her brother’s best friend, Edward, in hospital. In order to be allowed to take care of Edward, Cecilia impulsively declares that she is Edward’s wife.

Edward wakes up from a coma and recognizes Cecilia from a miniature that Thomas carried. But he has lost several months of his memory and doesn’t remember the circumstances leading to his marriage to Cecilia. It could be, as Cecilia explains, that Thomas asked him to take care of her and that they were married by proxy.

Cecilia was a faithful correspondent with Thomas and after a time Edward shared in those letters. The pair enjoyed sharing humor and a gentle flirtation through the letters. As Cecilia cares for Edward, their friendship grows. Edward is more than open to accepting her as his wife even as he is willing to give her a chance to prepare for consummating the marriage.

Cecilia knows she needs to tell Edward the truth. He is bound to get his memory back at some point. She just can’t seem to find the right time to speak up. Besides, she has talked herself into experience the brief chance at happiness that she might have. Of course, a day of reckoning will come and how will Edward respond to learning she not only made up the lie initially but continued it to a point of compromising his honor?

I really enjoyed the excerpts of the letters that started each chapter. This fills in the history and letter romance that germinates between the pair. I liked the caring, mostly self-assured, character of Cecilia and loved the strongly honorable character of Edward. It was clear from the title and beginning that the pretend marriage was going to create conflict when it would finally be exposed. I had to keep shaking my head as Cecilia remained silent when she could, and should, have spoken out. In addition to that frustration the author pushed my comfort level with a little too much sexual content; not utterly graphic but certainly sizzling. (As much as I do like Julia Quinn she does have a few books that are heavily sizzling, especially some of her early stand alones.) Although this might not be my favorite of the Quinn novels, I do recommend her historical romance titles to readers who enjoy the genre (especially if they like a little zing).

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor, as always, is excellent in the narration performance. She presents good voices that fit the personalities and she adds lovely animation to the story. I always like to listen to Landor narrating these titles on audio.

Source: December 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook, 2019Alphabet and Continuing Series goals.

Book Review and Giveaway: Dog Training the American Male by Steve Alten

This romantic comedy has its moments.

Dog Training the American Male
by Steve Alten

Website: here
ISBN: 978-1-943957-00-2
Publication Date: February 14, 2018 (Orig. Release September 2016; under LA Knight)
Pages: 262
Price: $4.99 (Kindle Version)
Publisher: WJM Books, an Imprint of A&M Publishing, LLC.
ASIN: B01LQU0TTO
Genre: Humor, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Meet Dr. Nancy Beach, a relationship counselor who hosts a local radio show called Love's a Beach. One problem: The relationship guru cant seem to make her own relationships work, sending her credibility and ratings into the toilet. Meet Jacob Cope, a walking thesaurus of phobias -- a Lehman Brothers casualty who's lost his job and swagger and now yearns to be a ventriloquist. When Nancy and Jacob are set up on a blind date and hit it off, their siblings, desperate to be rid of them, encourage the young couple to move in together. When the honeymoon stage abruptly ends, Jacob attempts to mend the fence by adopting a dog; a big dog and Nancy flips out . . . until she realizes the dog trainer's techniques can be used to housebreak Jacob and save her radio career.

Review:
Dr. Nancy Beach, a relationship counselor, hosts a radio show called Love’s a Beach. She also leads several private counsel groups, most of which are dwindling. Nancy has a major problem because she hasn’t had a successful relationship to serve as example. She has made bad choices in boyfriends who have been unfaithful liars and thieves.

Jacob Cope is a former Lehman Brothers’ financial guru who lost his job, perks and status with the economic crash. He has occasionally lived in an old van but is currently in his brother’s guest house. Jacob hopes to move to comedy work as a ventriloquist with his primary dummy, a George Bush dummy.

Nancy and Jacob are set up by their siblings who are eager to get them out of their living arrangements. The two hit it off and are encouraged by their siblings to move in together. It only takes a few days for Nancy to be unhappy with Jacob’s male behaviors: smelly shoes dropped at the door, toilet seat left up, expectations of being waited on. Jacob gets a dog hoping to appease Nancy and refocus her attention. The dog isn’t a cute, little Bichon but a large, untrained German Shepard.

Nancy arranges training for the dog which turns out to provide material for her show. Ratings really pick up as Nancy describes using the dog training techniques to train her man. Meanwhile there are a couple eccentric women, including one of Nancy’s bosses, who are chasing Jacob and bribing him with work engagements.

The book is promoted as romantic comedy and it is funny. My problem was wading through the first half of the book. Jacob’s brother is a gynecologist and the beginning is full of gutter language and crude, tasteless sexual banter. I came close to stopping at 12%, then 25%. I think I am glad that I pushed through because there was fun as the book progressed. The description of the impact of the job loss on Jacob creates a good picture of a fallen executive. There are also some very good psychological tips that I really like. There were scenes set on a fancy boat in the Boca Raton Inlet that I could relate to. On the other hand there were several sexual scenes that made me want to puke. I find it is interesting this was written by a man but it is doubtful I would try another book by this author. I am sure there are readers who will enjoy the fun of this; just be prepared for the grit and crudeness.

Source: Ralina Shaw PR. This will qualify for a 2018 title on my Alphabet Challenge list.

GIVEAWAY provided by the publisher through Ralina Shaw PR:

One Hardcopy Print Book (with the older cover) (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review or (b) visit the author's website and tell me something you found there.

* This contest is open to US only for the hardback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) May 5, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review: Cooked Goose (Big Mike and Minnie) by Susan Amanda Kelly

This is quick, fun entertainment; smiles for $.99!

Cooked Goose (Big Mike and Minnie)
by Susan Amanda Kelly

File Size: 1202 KB
Print Length: 49 pages
Publisher: Gomboc Words (December 6, 2015)
ASIN: B018K27GRE
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Holiday
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Mistletoe mayhem! Cooked Goose is a hilarious holiday love story filled with sizzle, sugar, and sass...
“Your father called me. He invited me for Christmas. I have a ticket for the same flight as you. Tonight.”
With those words, Big Mike sucked the oxygen out of the room. Minnie intended her father would meet her new man, Big Mike… eventually. Minnie wanted to give Daddy time to get used to the idea that his 'little girl' is embroiled in a serious relationship. A few decades, perhaps. Because Daddy’s not your run-of-the-mill protective father - he's a criminal. But now Minnie is heading home for the holidays with Big Mike in tow.
Big Mike is no delicate violet. He’s quiet and lethal, an ex-Special Forces soldier whose day job involves ‘keeping the Free World safe’. But Big Mike doesn’t want to spoil Minnie’s Christmas and promises not to hurt anyone… His resolve will be tested by Minnie’s father, her psycho brother and three outlaw lieutenants who want his woman.
*This is a 12,000 word story packed with everything needed for a very merry Christmas: love, family, laughter and psychos.

Review:
Minnie’s father is the head of an outlaw motorcycle gang in California. When Minnie was young, her father kept the outlaw ‘lieutenants’ away with strict orders: they could protect her but Not touch her.

Minnie became a super model and moved to New York where she could live her life without her unusual family. Minnie’s brother, Crash, is a bit on the wild side. He knew Mike in the army and introduced Minnie to Mike. She is crazy about the 6’6” hulking, ex-military man who now runs a security business.

Minnie’s father, Snake, unexpectedly invites Big Mike to join them for Christmas. Minnie is fearful that Snake will take Mike into the desert to kill him for being with daddy’s ‘little girl’. Mike is willing to take his chances and promises that he won’t fight anyone. Really – it takes a lot to rile him.

When the pair arrive in California they discover that Snake has also invited three of his lieutenants and removed the earlier restrictions. These circumstances may just lead to situations that rile Big Mike – at least a little.

The entire story is a hoot! The handling of the ‘competition’ by Mike and Minnie is hilarious! The characters are very likeable and the story plot is complete even for a short novella. Maybe it isn’t great literature—but it sure is quick, fun entertainment. This does not need to be limited to Christmas reading although the setting fits the fun. To quote Crash “Best Christmas ever!” I would like to try a longer story by Ms. Kelly. I highly recommended this for readers who want quick laughs and smiles.

I received this ebook through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review and Giveaway: In One Year and Out the Other Collection

This is a fun anthology to kick off a new year!
In One Year and Out the Other
Cara Lockwood, Pamela Redmond Satran, Beth Kendrick, Megan McAndrew, Tracy McArdle, Kathleen O'Reilly, Eileen Rendahl, Diane Stingley, Libby Street, Christina Delia

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (November 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416530932
• ISBN-13: 978-1416530930

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Short Story Anthology, Chick-lit
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 28, 2006
Out with the old, in with the new, and on with the party!
Maybe it's just another midnight...or maybe there really is magic in the air when December 31st becomes January 1st, and confetti kisses and champagne toasts kick off a new year, a new romance, a new look, a new attitude.

Celebrate the start of something new with In One Year and Out the Other...a sparkling collection of all new stories by today's rising fiction stars:

Cara Lockwood puts self-improvement to the test with 528 resolutions -- not least of which is "Do not sleep with married men" -- in "Resolved: A New Year's Resolution List"...Pamela Redmond Satran instructs a single mom in the fine art of partying like the boys (have lots of sex, don't worry that you're too fat) in "How to Start the New Year Like a Guy"...Diane Stingley shows a twentysomething why there's more to life than waiting by the phone for a New Year's date in "Expecting a Call"...Megan McAndrew seizes the day -- or just a very special one-night stand -- for a single food stylist hungering for more in "The Future of Sex"...and more great tales from Kathleen O'Reilly, Beth Kendrick, Eileen Rendahl, Tracy McArdle and Libby Street.

Review:
This is a fun collection of short stories perfect to greet a new year or to provide quick, break-size reading chuckles. There are ten stories running between 30 to 60 pages each. I wasn’t crazy about all of them but many were fun and introduced me to new-to-me authors.

Resolved: A New Year’s Resolution List by Cara Lockwood kicks off the set with a ridiculous 500+ long list. Clearly the character has issues to work through!

Expecting a Call by Diane Stingley is a fun New Year’s eve twist on a Christmas Carol.

Halo, Goodbye by Kathleen O’Reilly is a sweet view from a young woman who died New Year’s eve and has to find a way to let go and move on.

The characters were a bit desperate or shallow in one or two of the stories, like The Future of Sex and The Luckiest People. But all in all I enjoyed the quick reads and the theme being new year, resolutions and new beginnings. 

I pulled this from my TBR to read for the new year.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the gently used Print Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review OR 

tell me about another book by any of the authors that you enjoyed.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 14, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after February 14, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Jill Mansell

You don't want to miss this delightful read!

Don't Want to Miss a Thing

by Jill Mansell

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (November 5, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 1402283938
• ISBN-13: 978-1402283932

Genre: Romantic Comedy
My Rating 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 5, 2013

He knows all about women, or so he thought...

Dexter Yates leads a charmed existence in London, with money, looks, and girlfriends galore. Life's fantastic until Dex's sister dies and his world changes overnight. Astonishing everyone, including himself, Dex leaves the city behind, takes charge of his eight-month-old niece Delphi, moves to a beautiful Cotswolds village, and sets about working on his parenting skills. His neighbors, including cartoonist Molly Hayes, seem friendly enough—but Dex can't shake the notion that he's missing something important.

Review:
Dexter is a charmer who has done well in work and financial investments and has great success with the ladies. His is close with his sister, Laura, and is thrilled when she has a darling little girl, Delphi. But eight months later Laura dies unexpectedly having named Dex to be guardian of the infant girl. Dex may know girls but not infants and he is thrown for a loop.

In shock Dex leaves London and runs to a village where he had looked to purchase a vacation house. Dex recalls that even though many of the town folk were not so warm to an obvious outsider, the next-door neighbor, Molly, was really friendly. Molly is a cartoon artist who worked hard to get a strip that is syndicated and helps her make a living along with money she earns by teaching art classes. She is clearly warm, considerate and an encourager. She listens to Dex’s heartache and his reasons why he can’t raise his niece. She acknowledges those reasons but challenges him pointing out that if he loves Delphi he could be responsible for the child and manage to take care of her.

Dex’s life-style hasn’t exactly set him up to be recommended as a parent choice but he is determined to convince the social workers he can and will change. He decides to move to the village where he is sure he will find help in the better environment for raising a child. When he returns Molly instantly falls in love...with Delphi. But she has to resist falling for Dex too.

Molly apparently is the first woman to reject Dex’s advances but she feels she must out of self-preservation. That doesn’t make it easier to watch him start dating an attractive, outgoing pediatrician, especially since the match seems to please the locals.

As Dex struggles with parenting and Molly tries to protect her heart, there are other family dramas and relationships breaking down and being renewed in the village. Dex and Molly are the primary characters but the secondary characters also enrich the village life and the story.

I found the book delightful, easy to read and hard to put down. Dex may not be the most likeable character as a footloose, easy going playboy but he does have charm and he does mature. Molly is a dear from the get go and you can feel her conflicted passions. Ms. Mansell imbues the characters with natural emotions of doubt, insecurity, reluctance to be rejected, and desire to be loved and find the right person to love. I could feel the angst of the characters and that kept me pulled into the story wanting good things to happen in the end. Which it does and it is a wonderful journey getting there so you don’t miss the important things!

I received this ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest; OR tell me about another book by this author that you enjoyed; OR comment on the review.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 6, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 6, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review: The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on The Lam by Juliet Rosetti

Outrageous escapades make this story a delightful reading escape!
The Escape Diaries: Life and Love on the Lam
(A Loveswept Contemporary Romance)
by Juliet Rosetti

• File Size: 2019 KB
• Print Length: 316 pages
• Publisher: Loveswept (December 10, 2012)
• Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008ENAWJ4

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 10, 2012
Introducing the hilarious new heroine, Mazie Maguire, in Juliet Rosetti’s irresistible debut novel that follows the outrageous adventure of a woman on the run.

Wrongly convicted of killing her philandering husband, Mazie Maguire is three years into her life sentence when fate intervenes—in the form of a tornado. Just like that, she’s on the other side of the fence, running through swamps and cornfields, big box stores and suburban subdivisions. Hoping to find out who really murdered her husband, Mazie must stay a few steps ahead of both the law and her mother-in-law, who would like nothing better than to personally administer Mazie the death penalty via lethal snickerdoodle. With the Feds in hot pursuit and the national media hyping her story, Mazie stumbles upon a vast political conspiracy and a man who might just be worth a conjugal visit—if she survives.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Devil’s Thief, Paradise Café, and The Perfect Catch.

Review:
Mazie Maguire was a high school  music teacher when she was swept off her feet by a gorgeous, wealthy, socialite, Kip Vonnerjohn. Overwhelmed by the life of the rich and famous and blinded by immature hero worship of the suave man, nine years her senior, Mazie agreed to marry the charmer before she realized his proclivities toward idleness and women. She also hadn’t met his social queen of a mother who hates everything 'low life' about Mazie and will later send her poison cookies in prison! Vengeful Vanessa cut off the purse strings as soon as Kip married Mazie and things headed into trouble from there.

Mazie is accused of killing her philandering husband who was serving divorce papers. Although Mazie slept through the event, supposedly she was caught doing the crime by a nanny camera. The trial was pretty swift and Mazie ended up with a life sentence in Taycheedah prison.

A freak tornado hits while Mazie is in the garden and she leaps at the unexpected chance to escape. Mazie goes through some horrendous, but funny, scenarios as she stumbles one step ahead of the dogs and the Federal Marshall.  Just as they catch up to her she jumps into a manure pile to slip away again.  Mazie hides in a journalist’s van until the big tough driver coaxes her out and forces her into a bathtub. Mazie soon finds herself telling her tale to Labeck who believes that she was framed.

They break into her mother-in-law’s home to get the video tape that convicted her. Too bad Vanessa had laid a trap and Mazie barely escapes electrocution.  Mazie runs again taking Muffin, one of Vanessa’s pampered and ill tempered shih tzu-bichon frise pets, with her.

Mazie doesn’t know who to trust but thinks she has one person she can count one. As Mazie is running from the Feds, her crazed mother-in-law and a relentless killer, she discovers that she has become a super-star escapee in the eyes of the public. It will take several more near death experiences before Mazie gets some help from two enamored teen boys and learns who her real friends are.

This story is laugh-out-loud funny. The characters are brash and zany. There is a totally sassy and irreverent tone to the writing that is different but fun. The escapades that Mazie goes through are almost beyond belief but clearly Ms. Rosetti has a wickedly wild imagination. My final note on this book is: “hilarious!” If you’re ready for a mystery with a whole lot of laughter treat yourself to this fun escape.

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

Mazie and Labeck have trust issues:

“Move a single eyeball toward that knife block,” he growled, “and I tie you to that chair.” Location 1261.

A description of Vanessa’s little dogs:

...suddenly a tide of snarling fur balls engulfed us, growling, snapping and clearly stating in dog language: We’re going to tear you to kibble and gnaw your ears like they’re dried apricots. These were the fiends from hell. Location 1578.

I received this eBook from Random House Digital, through NetGalley, for an honest review.

This story is set in Wisconsin for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Book Review: The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

This is a lovely, lively, clean romance.

The Reluctant Bachelorette
by Rachel Anderson

• File Size: 690 KB
• Print Length: 316 pages
• Publisher: HEA Publishing, LLC (September 5, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0096T6IQQ

Genre: Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 5, 2012
Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town’s charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

Review:
Taycee has been struggling with dating as there are many good men but none have helped her overcome the crush she had, at age 14, on her older brother’s best friend, Luke. But Luke broke her heart when he left town without looking back and without staying in touch. Then her brother went away to college and moved away and her parents retired to Florida.  Taycee feels she has been abandoned and she is determined to make a success of the flower business she has opened in her home town.

Taycee lives in a community of small family farms who are struggling to remain alive in a slow economy.  Taycee's best friend, Jessa, calls in an undisclosed favor.  Jessa has cast Taycee as the bachelorette in an online program to raise funds to help the farmers. Taycee isn’t comfortable with the whole idea but once announced she has no way out without letting down the whole town.

To add to Taycee’s dismay, her old crush, Luke, has just moved back to town. Before realizing she is the Bachelorette, Taycee nominates Luke to participate in the bachelor pool. The audience will get to vote on the 21 bachelors, not Taycee. Once she gets Luke included Taycee then schemes to get him voted off before she realizes there may be hope for them after all. She becomes even more conflicted as Jessa insists that the dates “step up the romance.”

The bachelors include some characters that make for fun problems. Among the men are an arrogant, self centered but handsome guy that the audience really likes; a likeable rodeo, good ‘ole boy who is lots of fun; a nice guy who spits when he talks; and a  sweet, warm business man who really clicks with Taycee and the audience. (I really liked Jake and hope that there may be a story for him.) The dates are sometimes awkward but mostly fun. But do any of these eager beaus have a chance with Luke in town?

I loved the fun, clean romance. The characters are nicely developed with very real reactions. Ms. Anderson does a great job of keeping the reader engaged with plenty of romantic conflict and tension without any need for spicy sexual content. There are ethical and emotional dilemmas, joyful moments and heartache.  Jessa uses guilt to get Taycee into the program and to keep her going beyond what is comfortable or fair. I was intrigued to see how everyone would react when the mess was exposed.

The writing flows really well with lots of natural dialogue and humor. Several times I thought how life-like the story was with the misunderstandings, disappointments, ethical and emotion conflicts.  This is a very enjoyable romance that is sure to get you chuckling. Don’t miss it, especially at the current bargain price of $.99!

Word thoughts:
                     Funny, easy read, sweet, conflicted and HEA!  

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

Taycee’s dismay:

For six weeks, Taycee would be forced to turn her life upside down, and to prance in front of cameras, acting happy about being made to date guys she had no interest in dating. Location 541.

Taycee’s disappointment:

But no matter how much she wished it, that didn’t mean it would come true. Because that was how life worked. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And when you lose, you have to get over it and move on. Location 2518.

Thank you to the author and Kathy at BookBlast Tours for providing this eBook for an honest Review. Check out the Guest Post to learn a little about Rachael and for Giveaway links!

This is set in Shelter, Springs, Colorado for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

Book Review and Giveaway: Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

This is a charming and delightful read. I would definitely read more by Mary Connealy.

Calico Canyon, Lassoed in Texas Series #2

by Mary Connealy 

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 288
Vendor: Barbour Publishing
Publication Date: 2008
ISBN: 1597899380
ISBN-13: 9781597899383
Series: Lassoed in Texas
Available in Kindle or Nook;
also available as part of the series trilogy in print or ebook.
Genre: Christian Romantic Comedy, Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Let yourself be swept away by this fast-paced romance, featuring Grace Calhoun, an instructor of reading, writing, and arithmetic, who, in an attempt to escape the clutchs of a relentless pursuer, runs smack dab into even more trouble with the 6R's - widower Daniel Reeves, along with his five rowdy sons. When a marriage is forced upon this hapless pair - two people who couldn't dislike each other more - an avalanche isn't the only potential danger lurking amid the shadows of Calico Canyon. Will they make it out alive? Or end up killing each other in the process?

Review:
Grace was adopted as a four year old by Parrish, a man who beat and terrorized her and worked her as slave labor in the carpet mills of Chicago. Grace tried to protect her “sister”, Hannah, and the other little girls who were targeted by Parrish.  Grace finally escaped and on the way out of town was able to get Parrish arrested for theft.

Grace ended up as a teacher in a remote Texas town where she starves herself as she sends most of her money home to Hannah. Grace presents a prim and proper image trying to appear older than 16 and trying to control her students. Most of the children, especially the little girls, love her but the five impish Reeves boys won’t settle down. Her attempts to get their father to help control them go to no avail and finally there is a confrontation.

Grace is in despair but that is nothing to her fear when Parrish bursts into her barren room. Fleeing in the cold night Grace hides in a wagon and ends up frozen in the remote, barren home of the Reeves. Grace doesn’t want the bullish man and his 11 year old troublesome twins and 5 year old terrible triplets. And Daniel Reeves wants nothing to do with a prim, prissy woman, no matter how pretty, especially after he lost his wife to child birth. But the parson shows up and they stumble into marriage vows.

When an avalanche blocks the family into the canyon how will Grace manage to cope with the six Rs?

I loved Grace as a brave young woman who faced all obstacles by returning to her faith in a God who is ever faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him. I also enjoyed the zany antics of the motherless boys, Abe (Abraham), Ike (Issac), Mark, Luke and John. The boys are hiding their longing for a mother’s love behind their rowdy exteriors. One of my book club mates pointed out that it was interesting that the personalities of the boys are similar to their Biblical namesakes. The Biblical messages that are shared are beautiful, powerful and flowed appropriately with the historical setting where the Bible was the primary source of reading material.

Ms. Connealy does a grand job of describing the settings and primitive cultural aspects befitting the 1867 west. The pacing in the beginning is just a little slow but once it hits the humor it is easy to settle in and the rest moves at a nice brisk pace. The writing has a good flow and balance between character development, plotline and description. This is a fine read for anyone who enjoys a Christian message wrapped in a fun story.

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

A sampling of quotes:
The parson sort of tricks them into marriage:

Grace quit listening to the parson as she considered what seemed to be going on in this cave this morning. Forget nervous horse: Try runaway train. This situation was definitely out of control... Page 53

Grace discussing God with John while they are blocked in the cave:

"God loves us especially when we don't deserve it, honey." Page 140

Daniel's thoughts on a playful Grace after she is dug out from the avalanche:

The snow had buried an overanxious prude. He'd dug up a little spitfire. Page 147

I picked this up at Christianbooks for $2.99 for our Church ladies' book club. Everyone enjoyed it! It is still available at that lovely discounted price!

This is set in Mosqueros, Texas for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author Challenge list.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something you found there of interest OR if you have read this author before tell me a title you liked and/or why you liked it. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Two total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on June 1, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 2. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audio Book Review: Turn Up For the Book by Julia Franklin

Here is a book with British drama and humor that includes a book shop... fun for book lovers. :-)

Turn Up For The Book

by Julia Franklin

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 10 hours and 3 minutes
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: Books Are Loud
• Audible.com Release Date: September 20, 2011
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005QAA90K

Also Available at Electric Breeze Audio UNABRIDGED by Julia Franklin
Narrated by Julia Franklin
LENGTH 10 hrs and 3 mins
PRICE £7.99

Genre:  Romantic Comedy, British Chick Lit
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
This is a debut novel from actress and audiobook reader Julia Franklin. 'I've read somewhere between 300 and 400 novels as audiobooks over the last 25 years,' she says, 'so I thought it was time to have a go at a novel of my own.' The result is Turn Up for the Book, a romantic comedy that begins with the breakup, one Christmas, of a marriage.
Poor Viv has begun to look like the sofa she sits on most of the time. No wonder her unfaithful husband, Clive, is leaving her for a glamorous supermodel. But over the next 12 months, she will find that books and friendship will move her to a different kind of sofa altogether. Set against a background of publishing, food, and drink, oh yes, and maybe murder, Turn Up for the Book is a lovely lighthearted companion to warm you on dark winter evenings.

Review:
I think I would classify this as British chick lit more than romantic comedy.  It actually begins rather tragically but there is a good bit of irony and comedy further along in the story, with some true “laugh out loud” moments.

The primary figure in the story is Viv who has allowed her appearance to deteriorate over years of marriage to her unfaithful husband, Clive. This time Clive has chosen to leave her rather than just have an affair.  To make matters worse, he is leaving Viv, and their teenage son and daughter, for the beautiful wife of one of their best friends, Keith.  Keith had left his first wife, Ruth, for the beautiful model, Ursula.

Viv is devastated by Clive’s announcement and the children are angry and soon have emotional struggles that add to Viv’s own emotional difficulties.  Viv works at a book shop called Turn Up for the Book. Her employer is stingy and mean but Viv loves the work and is a diligent employee. As the book progresses the reader/listener has the fun of hearing Viv’s imaginary comebacks to and plans for ridding herself (creative murders) of her boss.

Ms. Franklin weaves the characters with good development so you understand where they are coming from and you can follow their interactions.  When Ruth discovers that Ursula has left her ex for Clive, she doesn’t have a lot of sympathy for Viv until she learns that it was Keith and Clive that told Viv to terminate contact and friendship with Ruth. Ruth is now a successful restauranteur and she calls Viv and pushes her to assert herself and pull herself from the depression she has settled into.

Viv is required to do a live interview at an author book signing. It is surprisingly successful and she gets called in to do a short weekly ‘Review the Book’ radio program which gets off to a slow start.  One night, in complete frustration, Viv steals the show and creates quite a stir by being bluntly honest about the “popular” books.

Clive discovers that Ursula isn’t quite what he expected while Keith begins a new relationship. 
There are new boyfriends for Ruth and Viv who have ironic connections to some of the other characters.  Although the story started on a sad note it ends up in an ironically positive position.

Ms. Franklin is the narrator so who better to tell the story as she intended it?  I enjoyed her British accent that fit so well with the characters' emotions. It is a shame that the sole rating I saw at Audible was negative as I found this an enjoyable listen even though it is not a genre I read a lot. I think you should give this book a try, in ebook or audio, if you don’t mind a bit of romantic drama and especially if you enjoy dry British wit, humor and irony.

Thank you to AudioJukebox and Books Are Loud for the opportunity to enjoy and review this audio.

I will add this to my New Author, ARC and Audio Challenges.