Swoon Worthy Spotlights #10

Welcome to Swoon Worthy Spotlights hosted by Bookworm Nation, Katie's Clean Book Collection and KJ's Book Nook! Once a month we will feature 1-3 of our favorite books that we have read during the month. We will share the cover(s), our review(s) and a link to each other's post so you can check out which books we have all chosen!

I had such a hard time trying to pick my favorites! I read so many this month that I absolutely LOVED! Be warned... I have more than 3 choices... ;) Hehe.

For this month's Swoon Worthy Spotlights I am going to choose...

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

Just Maybe by Crystal Walton

Mergers & Acquisitions by Jennifer Griffith

Honeymoon for One in Christmas Falls by Jennifer Peel

Forever Yours in Christmas Falls by Susan Hatler

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And don't for get to check Kathy's post here and Katie's post here!

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Do you have a blog and want to join us for Swoon Worthy Spotlights? Then grab the picture and post with us! We will be posting on the last day of each month. Make sure you share your link with us so we can check out your favorite authors as well!

Happy reading my fellow bookworms!

Finding the Truth in Christmas Falls by Danielle Stewart

Synopsis:

Olivia Mackey spent her whole life hearing how she was destined for bigger and better places than Christmas Falls, Tennessee. A regular on the beauty queen scene from a very young age, she learned from her stage mom, that appearances mean everything. Having spent the years after high school traveling the world and failing at the dream everyone told her she should have, she's back home and wondering what she's to do next.

 
Nothing is where she left it. Friends have scattered, her mentor is ill, and Olivia is fumbling her way through a big life in a small town. 

Tim Avondale and his young daughter showed up in Christmas Falls one evening looking for a fresh start. Buying the Sleepy Hound Bookstore seemed the perfect opportunity. Life had gone so wrong and now here in this quiet town he could keep anything bad from happening to his daughter again.
When the two cross paths Olivia and Tim find an instant connection. A tug toward each other they don't want to ignore. The problem is, in the process they are being tugged away from all the things they thought were important in their lives. He can't hide out from real life forever. She is more than just what people see on the surface. But when they're forced to decide will they choose to be better together or safer apart? 

My Review: 5 Stars

Olivia has returned to Christmas Falls feeling like a failure. Her modeling and acting career have come to an end and she finds herself with nothing to show for it. Too afraid to reach out to any of her old friends, she takes to hiding and sneaking around town until she can figure out her next move. 

But no one should try to stay away from Miss Anna Cate. The woman has sources everywhere! One visit with her childhood mentor and she's already feeling better. And a bonus... she has a lead for a job at the Sleepy Hound Bookstore. She should have known that Miss Anna Cate would be there to help her when she needs it most. 

From the moment Olivia walks into the Sleepy Hound she feels an instant connection to the new owner, Tim. She doesn't know what it is, but she's drawn to him and finds herself confiding in him with things she has never told another soul. He, too, finds himself opening up to Olivia. But both Olivia and Tim come with baggage. They must learn to trust each other and work together if their new relationship is going to work out. 

But far too soon the past comes knocking and now Olivia is torn. Does she stay in Christmas Falls and give herself a fresh start with Tim and his adorable daughter, Cora? Or does she head back out on the road for her next big audition? Will Tim be willing to put their relationship on hold while she's away? Or will he choose to move forward with his life in Christmas Falls without her? 

Once again her beloved Miss Anna Cate steps in and doesn't hold back. She helps Olivia to realize what she has been missing in her life and to see what her heart truly wants. 

*dreamy sigh* Oh how I loved this book! I was sucked in from the very beginning and stayed up WAY past my bedtime in order to finish it! And boy was I glad I did! This book is amazing! I loved seeing Olivia, Tim and Cora get their HEA! 

And that epilogue! I absolutely loved it! And yes... I totally got all teary eyed! It was perfect! <3

This is my very first book by Ms. Stewart and, just like other authors in this series, I can tell you it won't be my last! She is very talented and I loved the journey that she took me on! I can't wait to read more by her! 

Oh my gosh! Guys! I love Return to Christmas Falls! This series is AMAZING! I am SO glad that these very talented authors got together and decided to give us this wonderful treat! I can tell you right now that I will definitely be reading it over and over and over again! I really am hoping that they decide to collaborate on another series together! I would buy it in a heartbeat! 

And let's not forget my casting! *dreamy sigh* I love it!  

Love Notes in Christmas Falls by Beth Labonte

Synopsis:

When Caitlin Cook left the small town of Christmas Falls, Tennessee to attend Harvard University, she left behind the burden of her parents' slowly increasing hoard of antiques, a much younger brother, and Shane Mitchell--the boy who blindsided her with the news that he loved her on the night before she left.

Shane Mitchell spent his high school years fascinated by Caitlin Cook. The quiet flute player with her nose always in a book, he wanted desperately to find out what made her tick.

Eight years later, Caitlin returns to Christmas Falls--unemployed and newly single--after receiving a devastating letter from her beloved high school mentor. Caitlin is shocked to find her childhood home in disarray, and her little brother in desperate need of his sister. With Shane's help--now a pillar of the community rather than the carefree teenager Caitlin once knew--she begins to rediscover her love for music, antiques, and possibly even Shane. When faced with the choice of rebuilding her life in Boston, or giving love a second chance in Christmas Falls, will Caitlin be able to decide on the true meaning of home?

My Review: 5 Stars

When Caity left Christmas Falls eight years ago to attend Harvard, she never imagined her life would end up the way it did. Upon receiving a letter from her childhood mentor, Miss Anna Cate, the newly single and unemployed Caity doesn't waste any time heading home to Christmas Falls. 

Arriving at her childhood home, Caity can't believe the state it's in. It seems the insides have started spilling to the outside. But once she's inside she can see why. How long has this been going on? Her parents seem to have gone from collectors to hoarders. While she's home, she'll have to see what she can do to help get things back under control. 

But first she needs to face Shane Mitchell, the boy who blindsided her with his confession of love the night before she moved away to college. It's been eight years since she has seen him. Will his feelings still be the same after all these years? Has he moved one? Will she be able to finally admit that she loved him too? 

Spending time in Christmas Falls is just what Caity needs. She's able to reevaluate her life and figure out what she really wants. But an unexpected call from Boston has her floundering. Does she officially move back home to Christmas Falls? Or does she try to make a go of it again in Boston? And what about Shane? Now that both their feelings are out in the open, can she leave him again?  

Life is never easy and there will always be some tough choices to make. But with the help of Miss Anna Cate, Caity will finally realize what she needs to do and where she needs to be. 

*dreamy sigh* Love Notes in Christmas Falls is SO cute! I absolutely adored it! Shane has got to be one of the sweetest guys ever! And Caity, while she is a bit stubborn, she's pretty amazing too! These two are perfect for each other! <3

Another hit in the Return to Christmas Falls series! Can I tell you that I am SO glad these authors decided to team up and write this series! I'm secretly hoping they do it again! ;) 

This is my first book by Ms. Labonte and if her others are anything like this then I will definitely be checking them out! :) 

I just have to say that I love this casting! But I may just be bias... ;) Hehe. 

Rumor Has It In Christmas Falls by Melinda Curtis

Synopsis:

Twelve unlucky years ago, rumors flew about Lexi and Kevin. And now? Well, not much has changed, except this time neither can run away. Not from Christmas Falls. And maybe . . . not from each other.

As a political strategist at Dunlop Bennet & Associates, Lexi Townsend's career is going nowhere. She's a cubical dweller writing speeches for freshmen senators in DC. But if she can hitch her career wagon to a rising political star, she’ll be on her way to a corner office in no time. When she’s offered a plum holiday assignment–an ideal candidate with deep pockets, someone who could make the leap from local to national politics–she starts to dream about that corner office.

Until she realizes her candidate is Kevin O’Malley, aka Kevin the Hottie, Kevin the Snob, Kevin the Liar, the same guy who shattered her high school reputation back home in Christmas Falls with a rumor. Assignment in hand, Lexi braces herself for the most difficult political race of her career--because this time it’s personal.

My Review: 3.5 Stats

12 years. It has been 12 years since Lexi has seen Kevin, her first love. It was the night of the school Halloween dance when the rumors started flying about her and he did nothing to stop them. In fact, he left town the next day without even a goodbye leaving her to deal with the aftermath of his actions... alone. 

And now Lexi can't believe her luck. Not only is she back in Christmas Falls, but she's also working as Kevin's campaign manager. You see.. he has decided to run for mayor... against his father. The man is straight evil and gives Lexi the creeps! She just can't let him win. She will do everything she can to get Kevin elected as the next mayor. 

But when rumors about Lexi start flying again and Kevin still doesn't do anything to stop them, she has to decide if she's in it to win it or if she should just cut her loses and move on. 

I am loving Christmas Falls! But I have to admit that this one was a bit harder for me to get into. I had a hard time connecting with both Lexi and Kevin. The rumors did get a bit out of control and I had a hard time believing them at times. With that being said, it was a cute book and I liked it. Sadly, I just didn't love it. :( 

This is my first book by Ms. Curtis and I enjoyed it enough to give her other books a try. :)

And of course we can't forget my casting! What do you think? 

Once Again in Christmas Falls by Becky Monson

Synopsis:

In one day, London Walsh finds out her ex is going to be her boss and that her parents are getting a divorce—and they want her to referee the situation. So when she’s offered the chance to spend the holidays in her old hometown of Christmas Falls, far away from all the drama, she jumps on it.

But the quaint town doesn’t feel quite like the home it once was. London shed the goth image that defined her in high school long ago, but no one recognizes the woman she's become.

Except for Andy Broll, London’s childhood next door neighbor. He recognizes her immediately, which sends London’s heart fluttering as she starts to see Andy in a whole different light. But when her time in Christmas Falls doesn’t go as planned, will London face it head on? Or will she find a reason to run?

My Review: 5 Stars

London is having the worst day of her life. She's quit her job, her parents are getting a divorce, and her childhood mentor, Miss Anna Cate, is dying. Can't anything ever go right for her? In a bold move, she buys a plane ticket and runs home to Christmas Falls. 

Upon returning, she wonders if she should've even come in the first place. No one remembers her. How can they just forget her like that? Of course she's no longer in her "goth" phase. But shouldn't they remember her for who she was, and not what she wore?

She's contemplating going to her parents to "referee" their divorce until she runs into Andy, the boy next door, her childhood best friend. Her heart will be crushed if he doesn't remember her. But she has nothing to worry about because one look at her and he knows exactly who she is! And to her surprise, nothing has changed between them... it's like they picked up where they had left off. 

But something has changed... something inside. She feels nervous whenever she's around him... her heart beats double time, she's got butterflies, and her mind is constantly running with "what if's?". What are these feelings she is feeling? She and Andy are just friends, right? He can't possibly have the same feelings in return, can he? One mind blowing kiss with him lets her know that he most certainly can and is feeling the same feelings she is. *dreamy sigh*

However, one phone call from her mother ruins it all. According to her, London is doing what she does best... running. Her mind is filled with all kinds of doubt. Is any of this real? Is Christmas Falls home? Or is it just her next stop on the list of places she's running from? And what about her feelings for Andy? Are they real? Or is he just another escape for her? 

Too many conflicting feelings sends her running to Miss Anna Cate. If anyone can help her to see and understand what's really going on, it's her. One heart to heart later and she knows exactly what she needs to do. She refuses to run again. This is going to be a fresh start, one that she's determined to fight for. For the first time in her life, she is grabbing hold of everything she wants in life and not letting it go... including Andy. 

*dreamy sigh* Can I just say that I am loving Christmas Falls?! This is the perfect escape! I am so glad these authors decided to band together and create this wonderful world for us! I can't wait to see where we go next! 

Can someone please tell me why I haven't read any of Ms. Monson's books before now?! She sucked me in from the very beginning, had me laughing out loud, tearing up and letting out little dreamy sighs. I can tell you that her other books that have been sitting on my kindle will be read sooner rather than later! ;) 

And of course I just cannot forget my casting! *dreamy sigh* Oh how I love these two! 

First Line Friday's

Ok party people! It's that time again! First Line Friday's hosted by my amazing friend Kathy over at Bookworm Nation! Are you ready?! 

This week's First Line Friday is:

Once Again in Christmas Falls by Becky Monson

In one day, London Walsh finds out her ex is going to be her boss and that her parents are getting a divorce—and they want her to referee the situation. So when she’s offered the chance to spend the holidays in her old hometown of Christmas Falls, far away from all the drama, she jumps on it. 

But the quaint town doesn’t feel quite like the home it once was. London shed the goth image that defined her in high school long ago, but no one recognizes the woman she's become. 

Except for Andy Broll, London’s childhood next door neighbor. He recognizes her immediately, which sends London’s heart fluttering as she starts to see Andy in a whole different light. But when her time in Christmas Falls doesn’t go as planned, will London face it head on? Or will she find a reason to run?

FIRST LINE

"Your father and I are getting a divorce."

Confession. I have never read a Becky Monson book. I have 4 of her books on my kindle but I haven't read any of them. What's wrong with me?! A lot apparently! Lol. Well... no more! Today's the day that I read my very first book by her! And bonus... it's part of the Return to Christmas Falls series! I have been DYING for these books to be released! Stay tuned for A LOT of reviews this weekend! Gotta love a 4 day weekend filled with nothing but READING! 

Do you want to participate in First Line? Yes?! Then tell us what your First Line is! Are you going to do a blog post? Then don't forget to link your post back to Bookworm Nation! Post your link in the comments. Don't have a blog? No worries! Just leave a comment with the title, author name and first line.

Ready?! And GO!

Homecoming in Christmas Falls by Ciara Knight

Synopsis:

Eight years after fleeing Christmas Falls because of a high school prank gone wrong, Ashley Brooks receives a mysterious letter from her mentor asking her to come home. She arrives to face all she left behind—her family, her friends, and the rich boy she’d loved who would never date the girl from the wrong side of town.

Brent Donnelly, high school jock, brainiac, and dutiful son did everything right until the day Ashley returns to Christmas Falls. With one look at the girl who got away he questions all his life choices, including following in his father’s footsteps in the family business.

Faced with a potentially devastating decline of tourism in their hometown, Brent and Ashley must work together to save the magic of their town, but when Ashley discovers he still has feelings for her best friend she must finally face the real reason she left Christmas Falls—to try to heal her broken heart.

My Review: 5 Stars

It's been eight years since Ash left Christmas Falls without a backwards glance. Had it not been for the letter from her childhood mentor, Miss Anna Cate, she wouldn't be here now. But her she is. Back in Christmas Falls and she has no idea why. All she has to do is get into town undetected, find out what Miss Anna Cate needs, and then hightail it out of there before anyone finds out she was ever there. Easy peasy, right? Wrong! Ash should've known luck would not be on her side. 

Brent has spent his entire life doing whatever his father wanted him to do. All he's ever wanted was to make his father proud. He even stayed away from Ash, the one an only girl he has ever loved. But nothing he does will ever be good enough for his father. The moment he sees Ash back in town, he knows things have got to change. He let her get away once, he refuses to let that happen again. 

But before Ash can even think about a relationship with Brent, she has to first mend the ones she has been neglecting for the past eight years. Between her parents, her friends and Brent, Ash will need to do a lot of soul searching to figure out what she really wants out of life. Can she give up her life in Florida to start over in Christmas Falls? Will Brent finally go against his dad so that they can finally be together? Or will it be too late for them? One thing is for sure, Ash and Brent will not give up without a fight!

Oh how I loved Homecoming in Christmas Falls! I devoured it in one day! (It would have been hours but alas, I had to work. Boo! Lol.) I loved seeing Ash realize who she really is and what she really wants in life. I loved seeing her make amends with all the people in her life who love and care about her, even though she can't see it. And Brent! *dreamy sigh* What an amazing guy! He and Ash are definitely perfect for each other! 

I have to tell you that I have been dying for this series to come out! From the moment I first heard about it, I was counting down to release day! I may or may not have squealed when all the books that I preordered started downloading to my kindle. I was going to wait until this weekend to start them but I just couldn't! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!

This is my very first book by Ms. Knight and I can tell you that I will definitely be checking out more by her! 

And of course I can't forget my casting! I absolutely love these two! *dreamy sigh*

The Middle Aisle by Taylor Dean

Synopsis:

Zoe Grayson is back in Lancaster House, ordered to bed rest for the duration of her unexpected pregnancy. Doctor Wade Channing, her overzealous psychiatrist, is living in Lancaster House, taking care of her, waiting on her, and tending to her every need. It seems to be the perfect arrangement.

There’s just one catch.

She has to tell him her story—everything that has happened in her life since the moment she escaped from Serenity Hills. It’s been quite an adventure to include renovating another home and a walk down the middle aisle.

But, that’s all over now. Nothing is real. It never was.

How did she end up in this miserable situation?

My Review: 5 Stars

After escaping Serenity Hills, Zoe finds herself back at Lancaster House, unexpectedly pregnant and at the mercy of Doctor Channing. To say life is complicated would be an understatement. How in the world did she get where she is? She thought it was all real. Every. Single. Bit. But the more she talks with Doctor Channing, the more she realizes that it's not. Now she has to come to terms with living her life without Andre. 

But the harder she tries to come to terms with everything that happened, the more depressed she becomes. Was her life with Andre so bad? Why can't everyone leave her alone and let her live the way she wants to live. She's not hurting anyone so why is Doctor Channing so focused on expelling Andre from her life?

But what if Doctor Channing is wrong? What if Andre is indeed real? Can she live the rest of her life with all the "what if's" running through her head? She loves Andre, real or not. And she wants him back. Now she just has to figure out how to make that happen while leaving Doctor Channing in the dark. Because if there's one thing she's learned on this journey it's never acknowledge that Andre is real out loud. You never know what people will do when faced with the impossible. 

Wow! Talk about a roller-coaster of emotions! This book is full of twists and turns that I honestly did NOT see coming! And I have to tell you that I found myself doubting what in the world was going on! I'm going to tell you now, don't even try to guess what happens! You will NEVER figure it out! Just go with it... you will not be disappointed! This is the PERFECT series to read in the month of October! I am SO glad I finally bumped this up my list!

Ms. Dean did an amazing job of sucking me in again! I was getting angry when real life was getting in the way of my reading time! I was SO not happy! Lol. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey she took me on! I can't wait to read more books by her! 

You have already seen this but my review wouldn't be complete without it! *dreamy sigh*

Content: Mild swearing. Mild Violence. Talk of rape but no detail.

Honeymoon for One in Christmas Falls by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Is there room for two on this honeymoon for one? Piper Wyatt’s Christmas wish is to get promoted to manager at Blackstock Hotel and Resort. Not only does the promotion mean more money, but it means more time with her son and proof that she’s not such a disappointment after all.

Jace Petersen, successful owner of a national chain of sporting goods stores, finds himself alone and miserable on what should have been his honeymoon. That is until he literally falls onto the lovely Piper Wyatt. He’s intrigued with this woman who can fix a car in high heels. Too bad for him, he makes a horrible first impression, and Piper’s not allowed to mingle with the guests. 

While Piper tries her best to steer clear of Jace during his stay, he does everything he can to convince her he’s not the jerk from their first meeting. But is he worth risking her promotion? Or is Jace right, Piper deserves more than she ever thought possible for herself? Find out in this charming Christmas tale about finding love in the most unexpected place, a honeymoon. 

Seven fabulous authors bring you this holiday romance series about a group of special friends returning to their hometown at the request of their high school mentor. Each book is a standalone, but read them all to fully enjoy the journey of these remarkable women and their emotional reunion with their mentor, an incredible woman who changes their lives and helps save a small town community forever.

My Review: 5 Stars

Piper only has one Christmas wish this year... to get promoted to Manager at Blackstock Hotel and Resort. It means more money, better hours but most importantly it will give her more time with her adorable son, Finn. What she didn't wish for was an obnoxious guest who seems determined to make her lose her promotion.

Jace needs a break from the disaster called his life. After his wedding that never happened, he finds himself alone and miserable on his honeymoon for one at Blackstock Hotel and Resort. Who can blame him for getting drunk and being completely obnoxious to the Assistant Manager on duty?

To say Piper and Jace got off on the wrong foot would be an understatement! Who goes around yelling at people one minute and then literally falling on them and telling them they are beautiful the next minute? Can we say epic fail when it comes to this first impression?

But neither Piper nor Jace are immune to the unexplainable connection between the two of them. How can this be happening now? And why is this happening now? With her promotion hanging in the balance, the health of her high school mentor, Miss Anna Cate, deteriorating and proving to the world that she is not a failure, there is just no time for the added distraction of Jace.

But Jace has never met anyone like Piper before. She is feisty, speaks her mind and can fix cars like a boss. He would be a complete idiot to let her slip through his hands. All I can say is that Jace will definitely have his work cut out for him! But he is bound and determined to show her that his first impression is not the real him.

Can Piper overcome her insecurities and take a leap of faith? Can Jace get her to see that she's been selling herself short and that there's more to her than even she realizes? And most importantly will these two finally get the HEA that they both deserve?

*dreamy sigh* How can I express how much I loved this book?! It was seriously the perfect read for me! I fell in love with Piper, Jace and the adorable Finn from the very beginning! The bantering back and forth, the antics of Finn, the cameo appearances by some of my favorite characters, the legos and lightsabers... it was all AMAZING! Once I finished reading it, I was ready to pick it back up and read it all over again! It was THAT good!

I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this series! I absolutely LOVE Christmas themed books and these all sound perfect! I'm also looking forward to hopefully adding more authors to my list! Gotta love finding new authors to read!

And speaking of authors.. Ms. Peel has done it again! She sucked me in from the very first page and kept me up way past my bedtime finishing the book! Oh how I loved Honeymoon for One! It was the perfect read to start getting me into the Christmas spirit! And yes I know it's not even Halloween yet! And no... I'm not one of those people who puts their tree up extra early... I always wait until after Thanksgiving dinner... ;) Hehe.

And now... can we just take a minute to admire these two?! I think they make the perfect Piper and Jace! I'm in love! What do you think?!

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*

Author's Corner #10

Welcome to Author's Corner hosted by Bookworm Nation, Katie's Clean Book Collection and KJ's Book Nook! Once a month we will feature either a favorite author or new to us author. We will share the author's bio, one of our favorite books of theirs and a review. Each of us will be featuring a different author each month so there will also be links to each of our posts.

For this month's Author's Corner I am going to choose...

Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

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I was first introduced to Taylor Dean's books by some of my bookworm friends. They have never failed me before so of course I grabbed a few of her books just on their recommendations. And I was not disappointed! I have a couple of her paranormal books on my TBR list this month since it is October. Stay tuned for my reviews! ;) The book I'm choosing to feature is the very first one I read... Chasing Fireflies. Oh. My. Gosh! I devoured this book! I had the hardest time putting it down! If you haven't read any of Ms. Dean's books before, might I suggest picking this one up. Seriously. Amazing! *dreamy sigh*

My sisters think I’m crazy.

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love. 

She told me to search far and wide for him. 

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

You can check out my review here.

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And don't for get to check out Kathy's post here and Katie's post here! 

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Do you have a blog and want to join us for Author's Corner? Then grab the picture and post with us! We will be posting the 2nd Saturday of each month. Make sure you share your link with us so we can check out your favorite authors as well! 

Happy reading my fellow bookworms!

Mergers & Acquisitions by Jennifer Griffith

Synopsis:

Everyone would think lawyer Jillian Price has it made, with her cushy legal job at one of L.A.'s biggest talent agencies. It's most lawyers' dream come true. She even has a big name young star on her client list. But it's sucking away her life, and Jillian is secretly aching for a way out.

When she stumbles across a painting that has all the hallmarks of a never-before-seen masterpiece by a recently-deceased master, Jillian thinks she might have found her ticket out of law. Then, at a client meeting with her young star, she meets the breathtakingly gorgeous Aero Jantzen, a banker with the bluest eyes she's ever seen. Besides giving her a soul-shattering kiss, he also gives her life-changing advice: that she use the art to break into the sparkling world of art she originally dreamed of entering.

However, the second she starts the ball in motion, Aero--for some unknown reason--starts working against Jillian's success. Her greatest champion is now her biggest roadblock.

And worse, she's still crazy-attracted to him.

Will Jillian be able to negotiate a merger, or is she fighting an uphill battle against an inevitable acquisition?

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Jillian Price can't believe her luck! Who in the world finds a never-before-seen masterpiece by a recently deceased artist at a garage sale?! This just may be her ticket out of Entertainment law. All work and no play is really wrecking havoc on Jilly's life. 

But before Jilly can put too much thought into what this painting holds in store for her future, she must meet her young Hollywood star client, Ryker, at a local amusement park. Who in the world holds business meetings at an amusement park?! Oh wait... this is Ryker we're talking about! ;) 

Matchmaker Ryker has a surprise in store for Jilly. One Aero Jantzen. He is a banker turned agent to the crazy kid. And Ryker will do anything to get these two together. 

From the moment Jilly and Aero meet there is an instant connection. Never before has either one of them been able to open up so easily and be real with others. Aero helps Jilly to see that there is more to life than just work. He helps her to see that she can still make her dreams a reality. 

Jilly starts the ball rolling and sets out to do just that. But when Aero sees the masterpiece that has helped Jilly take that leap of faith, he is all the sudden trying to sabotage her success. He refuses to tell her his reasons behind it and she can see their new found relationship unraveling right before her eyes. 

However, Aero refuses to give up on getting his hands on that painting or his relationship with Jilly. But with the painting standing in between them, will they ever have a chance? 

*dreamy sigh* Oh how I loved this book! Talk about swoony! I found myself routing for Jilly and Aero from the very beginning! These two were perfect for each other! And oh my heck! Ryker! Haha! I loved that kid! He was goofy and crazy on the outside but on the inside he's an amazing young man who cares more about others than himself. He was the perfect side character. :) 

I do have to say that I'm kinda bummed that it just ended. There were a few questions that I would've loved to see answered. But I did devour it in a day so that's saying something. I love when a book can capture me the way this one did!

I have only read a few books by Ms. Griffith but I will definitely be reading more! I have already downloaded the other books in this series. Can wait to read them! 

As for my casting.. between the cover and my imagination this is who I came up with. And I have to say that I love them! What do you think? 

Just Maybe by Crystal Walton

Synopsis:

Three weeks. That’s all the time self-made billionaire Cooper Anderson has to respond to discovering he’s a single dad, sell his lake house, and catch a one-way ticket across the world. The quick-witted nanny responding to his ad couldn’t be more of a life saver … and maybe a nice distraction. Until the secrets she’s hiding get a little too close to exposing his own.

The one lead guaranteeing Quinn Thompson a promotion just has to land her back in her hometown to finagle an interview out of Mr. Elusive, of all people. But she can hack it, right? Even while mistaken for the nanny, she can keep things quick and professional. No running into her embarrassing southern family, no stirring up the wounds that’d sent her packing four years ago, and definitely no melting over a stockbroker’s unfair dimples and boyish charm.

Why, oh, why doesn’t anything ever go according to plan?

With both their deadlines closing in before they’re ready, Quinn and Cooper must decide whether the life they’re set on pursuing alone is worth more than the one they could be missing together.

My Review: 5 Stars

Quinn never imagined her career changing story would lead her back to her home town. She's not ready to face her family... not yet. Not until she lands her big promotion that will make everyone in her life proud of her. She has failed enough already, she just can't let them down again. She's got this. She has too. There's no other option.

Cooper never imagined hearing the words "you're a dad"! Especially not when everything is finally starting to fall into place. He's moving around the world for crying out loud! How can all this be happening now? He's got 3 weeks... 3 weeks to set everything straight so he can make his big move. He can't keep letting his family down, especially now that he has a son. He will do right by him, he has too. There is no other option. 

A case of mistaken identity has Quinn playing nanny. It's the perfect cover for her story. She has 3 weeks to win over Cooper and get his permission to write and run the story. But life doesn't always work in our favor. Both Quinn and Cooper have secrets that they would rather keep hidden from each other. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize they don't want any secrets between them. But what happens when they finally come out? Will it have them both running again? Or can they move on from them and start over? And maybe, just maybe they can find their happily ever after as a family? 

I have to say that Just Maybe is my favorite one in the series so far! It had me laughing out loud, getting teary eyed, growling in frustration wondering when these two were going to open their eyes to see what was right in front of them and had me letting out little dreamy sighs. I know I say this a lot but the feels are definitely real my friends! The setting was perfect, the story line was amazing and I fell in love with everyone... especially little Brayden! I absolutely LOVED this book! 

Ms. Walton has done it again! She weaves an amazing tale of love, heartache, forgiveness, understanding and second chances. Her books just keep getting better and better! I can't wait for Livy and Chase's story!

And let's talk about this casting. I absolutely love these two! What do you think?

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*