Dreaming of Ivy by Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

Ivy Nyman is used to being the screw-up in the family. And with her issues with O.C.D and anorexia, she knows she's shaky at best. So when Rayne has to leave to save her life and she's left facing the world on her own, she's not sure if she's strong enough to handle the stress. Becket Lowell believes in her though and with his faith and love for her, she's determined to be a strong woman. Asher Murphy though is doing everything he can to come between her and Becket. As Asher's insinuations and Becket's suspicious behavior begin to take their tole, Ivy is left wondering if her dreams of happiness will ever come true.


My Review: 5+ STARS

Dreaming of Ivy is absolutely AMAZING! I LOVED every minute of it! And I have to admit that it is my new favorite book in this series!

Ivy and Becket are completely perfect for each other! They have both had a hard life, they both have issues that they are dealing with but they are also the only ones who can really see the other person for WHO they are on the inside... issues and all. Becket says it best when he tells Ivy, "We don't need to be perfect. We just need to be perfect for each other."

I loved watching these two grow and fall in love with each other. They had their struggles both separately and together but they proved that communication and unconditional love can go a long way to become better, to become stronger, to become closer to one and other. Becket knew from the start that Ivy was meant for him and he set out to make sure that happened. As I said before... they are PERFECT together!

As usual, I really enjoyed seeing the characters from the other books! The main one?! Tai!! What an AMAZING surprise!! I absolutely ADORED him!! Loved the way he stepped up and was willing to help Ivy and Cleo. Gotta love those Matafeo men!! ;) And speaking of Cleo... I know I am not the only one wishing that her and Tai end up together!! There is something there... I just know it! Ok... Ok... I don't know it... but I am definitely HOPING for it!! ;)

And we might as well discuss Asher... Oh my heck!! What in the world is WRONG with you?! Seriously buddy?! You turned into some psycho, possessive, non-boyfriend! How many times does Ivy have to tell you that you are JUST FRIENDS before you can get it through your thick skull?! I liked Asher in Falling for Rayne but he turned into a little twit! I no longer want him together with Cleo. She deserves to be someone's FIRST and ONLY choice in my opinion! I did think of someone I would be happy to see him with... Meredith! ;)

The mystery element was definitely on the low-key side in this book and was just the right amount in my opinion. I liked that the main focus was Becket and Ivy... these two NEEDED this happiness!!

I can't wait for the next book in this series!! I am extremely excited to see how everything works out in the end!! Shannon Guymon is absolutely AMAZING and I LOVE all of her books!! If you haven't read any of her books before then you are definitely missing out!! ;)

And my favorite part... my casting choice for Ivy and Becket... perfect.. right?! ;)

Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean

Synopsis:

I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart. I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever.

Until it wasn’t.

He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it.

But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world.

Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence.

I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly.

To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less.

However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us.

The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart.

Absolutely nothing.

(Dear Reader: This book deals with a sensitive issue.)

My Review: 5 Stars

Shay and Jace, Jace and Shay. They have loved each other all their lives. They had their whole life together planned out. They had their hopes and dreams. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that they would live happily ever after. 

But sometimes life has a way of knocking you off your perfectly planned out path. No one ever saw it coming. Devastated and broken, they do their best to live their lives apart and try to move on.

Six years. It has been six years since the last time they saw each other. Six years since Jace broke her. And now he's moving back home to help out his Mom. He'll be right across the street from her and there's no way she'll be able to avoid him. One look at him and she knows she's in trouble. She still desperately loves him and probably always will. If only he'd apologize for his actions, beg for her forgiveness, confess that he still loves her too. Maybe, just maybe they'd still have a chance. 

But beware, things aren't always what they seem. Life may have knocked them off their path, but fate has a way of bringing them back together. Time. They have lost so much time. It has been stolen from them and they are never going to be able to get it back. But that just means they will have to treasure all of their time together. 

They have a long road ahead of them and it's not going to be easy. But as long as they are together, they can weather any storm. They have been ripped apart once, but their love has brought them back together. 

Shay and Jace, Jace and Shay. Together Forever. There is nothing in this world that can tear them apart again. Their love for each other grows stronger every day. And they will live happily ever after. 

*dreamy sigh* 

All I can say is wow! Just WOW! Once I started this book, I could not put it down! I devoured it in one sitting! I have been dying to read Shay and Jace's story since Stone Silence and I am happy to announce that it was worth the wait! 

Oh how I love these two! They are perfect for each other! I fell in love with Jace from their first meeting after 6 years! And the way he took to little Brit melted my heart and had me rooting for their HEA! SO adorable!

I do have to admit that I was a little hesitant to read this book because of the sensitive issue warning. But I should have known I had nothing to worry about. This IS a Taylor Dean book after all. She does an amazing job of touching on sensitive subjects and bringing awareness to it without it taking away from the rest of the story. 

I'm not going to lie.. I'm kind of sad that this series is over! It is such an amazing series and one that I encourage everyone to read! I know for a fact that I will be reading these books over and over and over again! 

Ms. Dean is an amazing author! She has been on my favorite authors list from the first book of hers I ever read. If you haven't read any of her books then you are definitely missing out! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

And of course I cannot forget my casting! I absolutely LOVE these two! What do you think?! 

March 2018:

*dreamy sigh* I can't express how much I LOVE this series! It is SO good! Shay and Jace's story is the perfect ending to an AMAZING series! I can already tell you that I will definitely be reading these books over and over and over again!

January 2019:

It says a lot about an author when they can suck me in over and over and over again each time I reread one of their books. I devoured this series in a couple of days and I still LOVE it! I'm looking forward to rereading it again... probably next year... ;) 

Jailbird by Taylor Dean

Synopsis:

My hometown decided to rename me Jailbird.

Every day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake.

And yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything.

I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia.

But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past.

When I meet Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. He makes me want to live again.

But I don’t love me right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on redemption. I want it. I need it.

Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye.

After all, who could ever love a jailbird?

My Review: 5 Stars

I have to start out by saying, if you have not read Stone Silence yet then STOP reading my review! I cannot guarantee you that it won't have spoilers. I will do my best to keep them out of my review but parts of this book deals with things that happened to Stony in book one. If you are still reading, you have been warned! I will not be held responsible if anything gets ruined for you! Haha. 

Jailbird. That is what Mia's hometown has renamed her. One mistake. Just one mistake and her whole life is turned upside down. Her past has been controlling her for the last few years but enough is enough. She needs to move on and hopefully be happy again. 

But before she can, she must confess to Stony the ugly truths that have been plaguing her since the accident and ask for his forgiveness. Why, you may ask? Hasn't he already forgiven her? Yes, he has. But, you see, there is more to the story. A lot more. 

When she finally gets up enough courage to tell Stony, things don't go as planned. She clams up at the sight of him, his pregnant wife, Spencer, and their happily-ever-aftering. Add in her instant connection to Grayson, Spencer's older brother, and she's floundering to get the heck out of dodge. 

Grayson is instantly drawn to Mia. There is just something about her that has him wanting to get to know her better. But there's something that's holding her back. He doesn't know what but he can see the sadness in her eyes and he knows that she is building up walls to keep everyone out. She's no longer living, she's just existing and he knows that is not her. He knows the real Mia is in there somewhere and he will do everything in his power to breathe life and love back in to her.

However, the closer Mia and Grayson get, the more terrified Mia becomes and the more she pulls away. What will Grayson do once he finds out her past? How can he love her when she doesn't even love herself? She is filled with so much doubt that it has her running scared. But Grayson is not letting go without a fight. Will they ever be able to overcome the past and move on to their own happily-ever-after?

*dreamy sigh* 

Oh how I loved this book! Once I started reading, I just couldn't stop! It has been a LONG time since a book has kept me up WAY past my bedtime! The feels are definitely real! I found myself enthralled from beginning to end. I just could NOT put it down! I am not afraid to admit that Jailbird had me laughing out loud, crying, on the edge of my seat and letting out little dreamy sighs. 

Guys! If you have not read this series yet then you are definitely missing out! It is AMAZING! I am LOVING it! These are NOT standalones. They MUST be read in order. 

If I haven't already told you this, Ms. Dean is AMAZING! I have been sucked into every single one of her books I have ever read. She really knows how to catch and keep your attention. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting.... *dreamy sigh* I absolutely LOVE these two! <3

March 2018:

Oh. My. Gosh! 2nd time reading Jailbird and I think I loved it even more! This feels are still definitely real! I didn't want to put it down! It's AMAZING! *dreamy sigh*

January 2019:

Yep! Still amazing! *dreamy sigh* I think I fell even more in love with Grayson! 

Stone Silence by Taylor Dean

Synopsis:

Great big beautiful love.

Does it really exist?

Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.”

I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.

I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.

Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.

That’s when I meet Stony by chance.

He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it.

That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.

But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past.

I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.

My only hope is . . . he does.

My Review: 5 Stars!

Spencer has been waiting for her big beautiful love her entire adult life. She starts to think that something is seriously wrong with her because she is repulsed by the touches of the men she has dated. She wishes that love would just hurry up and find her already. But alas, nothing. 

Until a horrible incident leaves her stranded in the middle of no where. Hours of walking in the Texas summer sun has her in need of water and facing heat exhaustion. She knows she needs to find help soon or she could very well die out in the middle of nowhere. Add in the fact that a torrential downpour is heading her way and she knows she needs to find help sooner rather than later. 

All of the sudden she hears a loud buzzing noise. She doesn't know where it's coming from but she just knows that she needs to follow that sound. She knows that this will lead her to the help she so desperately needs. 

The moment she lays eyes on Stony she knows that her life is about to change in a very big way. She feels an instant connection to him that she has never felt with anyone before. This man right here is going to change her life. 

They don't get off to the best of starts, but Stony soon comes to his senses and helps Spencer in her time of need. He nurses her back to health and has her feeling safer than she ever has in her life. But when the time comes for her to head back to her life, neither one of them are wanting to say goodbye. 

It seems fate has something special in store for these two because circumstances beyond Spencer's control and a job offer from Stony has her staying in the small town for the foreseeable future. This will allow them to get to know each other better and give them time to see where their new budding relationship will go. 

Life seems to be perfect and blissful until Stony's past comes knocking. All it takes is one moment, one look and Spencer is second guessing everything she has been feeling for Stony. Feeling blindsided she runs. She needs to get away before Stony can stop her. She's not going to make him choose between his past and his present. If she truly loves him like she knows he does, then she'll make it easy for him. She'll be the one to walk away even though it will kill her. 

But Stony refuses to let her go. He refuses to let his past get in the way of his present and his future. His future is with Spencer. He has never loved someone as much as he loves her. She looks at him and love radiates from her eyes. He would be an idiot to let her slip through his hands and he will fight to keep her in his life. He will prove his love for her and prove that she is his happily-ever-after!

*dreamy sigh* 

Oh. My. Gosh! I absolutely LOVE Stone Silence! Talk about swoony! This book is AMAZING! I was sucked in from the very beginning and found myself lost in the journey of Spencer and Stony. I laughed out loud, got teary eyed, let out little dreamy sighs and refused to put this book down until I finished it! I devoured it! 

I am definitely looking forward to the other books in this series! I can't wait to read them! 

Ms. Dean has done an amazing job making me fall in love with more of her characters! I have loved all her books I have read so far and can't wait to see where she takes us next! 

As for my casting... I saw these two from the very beginning! What do you think?!

March 2018:

Oh my gosh! I still totally LOVE this book! It is SO good! Can't wait to reread the rest of this series! *dreamy sigh*

January 2019:

This is still an AMAZING book and I still LOVE it! Definitely one of my favorite series!

Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt

Synopsis:

For centuries, the elite of the world have sought the Pimpernel everywhere. Some want to kill him, others want to hire him, but Jack Cavanaugh knows that the love/hate relationship comes with the job title.

At present, Jack is trying to dismantle an investment scheme centered in Las Vegas, but "trying" is the operative word. It's been a month since he put the face of the scheme behind bars, yet the scam is still going strong. As Jack tries to uncover who has stepped in as the new head, what miniscule evidence there is all seems to point him back to Claire Ramsey, an introverted PhD student studying at UNLV.

If ever there as an unlikely head of an investment scheme, Claire's it. She has a genius IQ, but from all Jack has seen, Claire’s intelligence is as much a blessing as a curse when paired up with her acute OCD. Claire can barely make conversation with the cute guy down the hall, which makes it hard to believe she could be the charismatic salesperson who is getting international businessmen to invest $5—50 million a pop.

So what is Jack missing? What is the real story behind Claire Ramsey? And once Jack learns it, will he be able to walk away?

My Review: 4.5 Stars

March 2018:

It's been a couple years since I have read this book and I have one word for you... wow! Just wow! I forgot about all the twists and turns! I think I also picked up on things that I missed the first time around. The complexity of this book blows my mind. I have a feeling I'm going to be really glad that I reread this book before picking up Royal Ball. From what I've heard and read, it's just as, if not more complex than this one. Wish me luck! ;)

April 2016:

For the majority of Claire's life, she has never been close to her family. In fact, she has never really been close to anyone. With her OCD tendencies, it makes it hard for her to put herself out there. She feels in control of her life about 1% of the time. She feels alone and wishes for things to be different. When she finds someone who believes in her and doesn't give much thought to her idiosyncrasies, she will do anything she can to keep them close to her. 

Jack has been commissioned to dismantle an investment scheme. He thought he had the head of the investment scheme behind bars but there is still someone out there pulling all the right strings. All leads are pointing to Claire but he just can't see it being her. There is something bigger at play and he must figure it out before it's too late. 

I can't really go into too much detail in fear of giving things away. But just know that this book is full of twists and turns that you won't see coming. Just when I thought I had something figured out... BAM! Plot twist! Lol. Pimpernel kept my on my toes and awake way past my bedtime. I just HAD to see how it ended! I would love to see this made into a series!

If I can have one little quibble it would be the ending! Ugh! Why?! Why would you do that to me?! That's supposed to be somewhere in the middle of the book... not the end! I would've loved to see that put into the mix of things. If you've read the book then you know what I'm talking about! ;) Haha.  

All my bookworm friends have been raving about Sheralyn Pratt's books so I thought it was about time I checked them out. This is my first book of hers and I was not disappointed. I will definitely be checking more out by her! :)

As for my casting... not going to lie... this one was tough! But I think these two fit the best for me... ;) Hehe.  

Undeniably Chosen by Shelly Crane

Synopsis:

Ava has watched her parents, Caleb and Maggie, live the perfect fairy tale, the perfect love story, played out in front of her eyes her entire life. Her family is love, life, and happiness. The Jacobsons are everything a family should be and Ava is loved and well taken care of. But the one thing that’s missing from her life is the one thing she’s waited for every day, the one thing her kind knows will make them complete, the one thing they thought was gone and lost forever.

Her significant.

Seth has lived with the Watsons his entire life. They’re the only family he knows, but he knows that there are things they keep from him. He knows that they lie and they do unspeakable evil, things from when he was a child that he can barely remember that cling to the edges of his memory. He barely remembers his real mother and all he knows is what he’s told. He doesn’t know what to trust. He wants to believe that the Watsons love and care for him, have his best interest at heart, but isn’t so sure of that anymore when he finally—after a lifetime of waiting for her—meets his soulmate, and the Watson’s first act is to try to take her away from him.

The Virtuoso worlds collide, hearts are exposed, humans are endangered, and the lives of Seth and Ava are changed forever. They’ll have to love without judgment or reservation, they’ll have to be wise and accepting beyond their years, they’ll have to forgive for things before they’ve even happened, they’ll have to trust without seeing, have faith without knowing, and they’ll have to light their own way in the dark when everyone else is blind to show them the way. And more than anything else…

they’ll fight like hell to keep each other.

My Review: 5+ Stars

March 2018:

I. Love. This. Series! It's SO good! I thought I would reread Undeniably Chosen again because I'm secretly hoping Undeniably Fated will be released soon! I can't WAIT to continue on with the Significance series!

March 2017:

*dreamy sigh* I LOVED it just as much the 2nd time around! I cannot WAIT for the next book to be released! Eeeeeeek!

April 2015:

Holy macaroni grill Batman!! I absolutely LOVED Undeniably Chosen!! I seriously could NOT put it down!! I got so mad that work and sleep got in the way of my precious Ava and Seth time!! I stayed up late and woke up early just to finish this AMAZING book!! I have loved the entire Significance series but I have to admit that this book is my absolute FAVORITE out of the whole series so far!! I have been DYING for this to come out and just KNEW that it would be well worth the wait and I was NOT wrong!!

Ava has been waiting her whole life to find her significant. She has dreamed about how it would it be... how she would feel... how happy she would be... and then she imprinted with a Watson. Her first response?! Run... and run she did! Life as she knew it was over... or so she thought... ;)

Seth hasn't had the best life. Even though he has been put through the ringer more times then I could count, he still wanted to see the best in everyone. He was constantly being accused of various things and doubted and just wronged... but that man... he is a SAINT!! He still pushed forward and even defended the Jacobsons who kept accusing him of doing things he did not do! He would always tell Ava... it's okay... they're your family... they're just trying to protect you... I would do the same thing... I understand. Saint I tell ya! He never ONCE gave up!

I loved watching Seth do everything he could to get to know Ava and make her happy. He wanted to show her how much he loved her and how special she was to him. And I loved watching Ava realize that Watson or not Seth is her significant and she would do everything she could to get to know him and make him happy... make him feel loved for the first time in his life!

The first little while after you find your significant is supposed to be special... you're supposed to be happy and enjoy getting to know each other. But in true Shelly style... that just did not happen for Seth and Ava. Once the Jacobsons were finally on board with all things Seth they had to deal with the Watsons. Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire Batman! Evil... plain and simple... they are evil!! And they have someone in their pocket helping them to try and destroy the Jacobsons. *sigh* Can't these poor Jacobsons get a break?!

There were lots of twists and turns that I did not see coming!! And I loved every minute of it!! This was definitely a book worth losing sleep over!! I cannot WAIT to see where Shelly takes us next!! I am totally looking forward to Undeniably Fated!! It's going to be AMAZING!! :)

And are you guys ready for my casting?! Oh my heck!! I just LOVE it!! Aren't they just gorgeous?!?! ;)

 

*Content: Mild language throughout the book. 

Statistically Improbable by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

According to Binary Search’s matchmaking service, Meg Dawson’s and Zander Grainger’s odds of ever having a successful relationship are statistically improbable. Meg has run the numbers and knows the probability, but for some reason she can’t quit thinking about her coworker, and self-proclaimed eternal bachelor, Zander.

To make matters more interesting, Zander approaches her with an unusual proposition. He’s in need of a pretend girlfriend. Meg thinks this could be the answer to get him out of her system; and maybe knock the arrogant man down a few notches in the process. But what she doesn’t realize is, there is more to this man, something he carefully hides behind his arrogant exterior. And when her feelings begin to be anything but pretend, she knows the odds of getting hurt are more than probable.

Will they let the odds overcome them, or will they find that all the reasons they are wrong for each other are exactly what make them a perfect fit?

My Review: 5 Stars

March 2018:

*dreamy sigh* I love Meg and Zander! These two are amazing together! The feels are definitely real. I had a hard time putting Statistically Improbable down again. It is SO good and my favorite in this series so far!

March 2017:

Statistically Improbable. That's what the Binary Search says. But against all the scientific evidence, Meg still finds herself drawn to Zander. She doesn't know what it is but she just can't resist his pull. Maybe it's his charm or his gorgeous face or just him. But whatever it is has her going to goo whenever he's around. 

So when Zander asks Meg to be his fake girlfriend to keep the unwanted women away, she has to stop herself from instantly saying yes! Guys like him don't fall for girls like her. She has to keep her heart safe. But this is a chance to prove science wrong. It's also the perfect chance to bring the King of Arrogance down a notch or two. Zander won't know what hit him... ;) 

On the outside Zander is the eternal bachelor, the center of attention, the best friend.. pretty much anything anyone needs him to be. He's got to be in order to keep his secrets locked up tight. He's always been good at hiding the real him. There have been very few people who have ever been able to see past his facade. So when the feisty, sassy, beautiful Meg adds herself to that list, it scares the crap out of him and he does his best to keep her at bay. 

But with all the chemistry and fireworks between these two, it proves statistically improbable to fight against the inevitable. These two bring out the worst and the best in each other. This is all new territory for the both of them. Zander is bound to make mistakes and say the wrong things, but he will not waste a second to make things right between them. It may take some time, but Meg will prove to Zander that if anyone deserves a happily ever after, it's them. 

*dreamy sigh* I absolutely LOVED this book! I have wondered about Zander ever since we first saw him in His Personal Relationship Manager. Some people loved him, other people didn't. But if you really paid attention to him, you would have realized that there was more than meets the eye. What he was on the outside, was not who he is on the inside. He's a diamond in the rough. And it took just the right woman to make him shine. And Meg was that woman. These two were absolutely perfect for each other! <3

I know I say this all the time but I swear Ms. Peel's book just keep getting better and better! Just when I think I have found my favorite, she releases a new book and I end up changing my mind. I think I have finally come to the conclusion that I will never have just one favorite book of hers. It's impossible! I seriously cannot choose! Do NOT make me choose! Haha. 

And this casting! *dreamy sigh* I don't care what anyone thinks... these two are perfect in my opinion! ;)

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

His Personally Relationship Manager by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Kenadie Marshall has suffered the most public of humiliations, being left at the altar. Instead of wallowing in her misery, she makes it her mission to help others find true and lasting love, all while swearing off relationships for good. Between the software application she developed and a team of relationship managers, her brainchild, Binary Search, has an uncanny knack for choosing the perfect match almost every time.

Attractive and loveable Jason Hadley is taken with Kenadie Marshall from their first meeting. Determined to win her over, he does anything and everything he can think of, even if it means using her firm’s service and dating other women to stay close to her.

Will Kenadie realize she’s met her match before it’s too late? Or will Jason’s ploy go too far? Find out in His Personal Relationship Manager, a romantic comedy with an epic battle of wills.

My Review: 5 Stars!!

March 2018:

I'm sure it will come as no surprise to hear that I still absolutely love His Personal Relationship Manager! It's been a couple of years since I have read it so it was kinda like reading it for the first time all over again! I got sucked in all over again! I can't wait to reread Zander's book!

January 2016:

Kenadie has suffered the worst of humiliations... being left at the alter. If that wasn't bad enough her controlling ex-fiance called her names and said some awful things to her in front of everyone! Crushed and heartbroken, she locks her heart up tight and refuses to let anyone enter in ever again. She has her mom, her brothers, her niece and her best friend, Zander. She doesn't need anyone else. She throws herself into her business, Binary Search. She is determined to do whatever she can to make it so no one has to go through what she went through. Everyday she is just going through the motions... she is not living her life... she is just existing. . 

Jason has been jilted by his ex-fiance as well. He moves to Georgia for a fresh start. From the first moment he met Kenadie, he felt a connection. He had never met anyone like her before. The more time he spent with her the more he wanted to pursue this beautiful, intriguing, complicated woman. He definitely has his work cut out for him and will need to have the patience of Job if he ever wants to snag this beauty that has no clue he is falling in love with her!

Watching Kenadie and Jason get to know each other and watching their friendship grow into something more was sweet and beautiful and yes, at times, frustrating! I wanted to shake Kenadie and say "Hello!! Wake up!! It's you!! It's always been you!!" Lol. But as mentioned before Jason has the patience of Job. He was NOT going to give up on them! *dreamy sigh* I absolutely LOVE Jason! He is my new favorite hero! <3  

There were just so many things I loved about this book! The one liners... the old biddies... Hawaii Five-O... Gibbs slaps that Kenadie would give Zander.

And speaking of Zander... I absolutely LOVED him! Even when he was acting like a punk! But I get where he was coming from... I really do! We all need a best friend like Zander! I wonder if Ms. Peel will ever think of giving him his own book?!?! That would be the icing on the cake for me!! ;) Hehe.

This was another home run by Jennifer Peel!! There is a reason she quickly jumped to the top of my favorite authors list... she is AMAZING!! I have seriously LOVED all of her books!! They just keep getting better and better!! This is definitely my new favorite of hers!! I can't WAIT to see what she has in store for us next!!  

And of course I just cannot forget my casting choices!! This one was actually a no brainer for me... these two were just PERFECT in my opinion!! ;) 

Hawaiian Masquerade by Rachelle J. Christensen

Synopsis:

When Lexi Burke escaped the remnants of a cold winter in Chicago for the beaches of Kauai, it wasn’t a random vacation. She left the hectic pace of Burke Enterprises behind with enough money to retire at age thirty-two, intent on settling into the idyllic existence of island life. Until she met local photographer Derek Mitchell—a talented man with a grudge against rich tourists.

From art night to snorkeling lessons, hiking, and chopping coconuts, Lexi can’t talk herself out of spending time with the handsome, hardworking man who knows the value of every dollar. She also can’t find a way to tell him the truth about herself. But then Derek is selected to help in a benefit at a masquerade ball as one of the eligible bachelors up for auction. Lexi must decide whether to wear a mask or unveil her true self and risk losing Derek’s trust and a chance at love.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

March 2018:

Second time reading this book and I still enjoyed it! I also still really want to go to Hawaii! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. Kind of hoping we get a little of Lexi and Derek.. I still want more of them! ;)

July 2016:

Lexi is an overworked, stressed out business executive and life is passing her by. After doing some soul searching she realizes that what she needs is a fresh start. Making the biggest and scariest decision of her life, she chooses to leave her job and her home in Chicago to begin a new journey on the beautiful island of Kauai. With a clean slate, she can do anything she wants, be who she wants to be, discover who she really is outside of her business world.

Derek has struggled all his life financially. He is unable to make ends meet on the income from his photography business alone. In order to pay all the bills and keep his business going, he must help is friend, Pika, by chopping coconuts on the side. As a photographer on the island of Kauai, he has seen lots and lots of tourists. The ones he does his best to stay away from are the wealthy ones. All the encounters with them growing up has left him with very strong feelings of resentment towards them. He thinks they are all the same and has no qualms about expressing his opinion of them.

When Lexi and Derek meet for the first time, there is an instant connection. Neither one of them were looking for any kind of relationship but fate had something else in store for them. But before they can move forward, Lexi must come clean about her wealth and Derek must overcome his issues with money and realize that not all billionaires are the same.

Watching Lexi and Derek become friends, going on adventures together, seeing who they were and what made them tick had me falling in love right along with them. They were both amazing characters with huge hearts! They both know that this life is not about money and how much you have. It's about the journey, the little things, family, friends, living life to the fullest and just being grateful for all the blessings and beauty in our lives. *le sigh*

Can I just say how much I fell in love with Hawaii just from this book?! The descriptions were amazing and I felt like I was right there with Lexi and Derek. Hawaii has definitely been added to my bucket list!

While I really enjoyed this book I would have loved just a little bit more! Like seeing more of Lexi and Derek's relationship after he discovered she was a billionaire. We all know how much I love my epilogues! ;) Hehe. The ending just seemed a bit rushed to me. And Eliza... what really happened with her?! She's plotting evilness, it's discovered and BAM! No one knows why nor does anything happen to her? Did I miss something while I was reading? Hmmmm.... 

So... I just have to say... this is my first book by Rachelle J. Christensen and I am proud to announce that it will not be my last! I am seriously loving this series and all the new authors I am adding to my list! So much fun! :) 

And this casting! It was definitely tough! Trying to find the perfect match had me wanting to pull my hair out! Haha. But I'm pretty happy with these two... ;) What do you think?!

Change of Heart by Jennifer Moore

Synopsis:

This summer, Nathaniel Cavanaugh vacations in Lobster Cove to spend quality time with his kids after his estranged wife’s tragic death. Successful and well-connected, he is on the fast-track to the highest legal positions in the country, but his family life suffers. After an accident throws Val nearly into his lap and costs her a job opportunity, Nathaniel surprises himself by overlooking her outlandish appearance and lack of qualifications to offer her a job as his nanny for the summer.

Valdosta McKinley wishes for an internship at a Paris Art Institute to use her newly acquired art-history skills. She knows Nathaniel could never develop feelings for a girl from a trailer in a rural West Virginia holler—a lesson she learned the hard way years earlier.

Will pursuit of their professional goals require Nathaniel and Val to give up the dream of being a family?

My Review: 5 Stars

March 2018:

*dreamy sigh* I still totally love Change of Heart! It is super cute!

May 2016:

Val has left her home in West Virginia and heads to Lobster Cove, Maine to pursue her life's dream of landing an internship in Paris. But before she can apply, she needs some hands on experience in an Art Gallery. On her way to an extremely important interview, fate throws her into the path of Nathaniel and his two adorable children. But with Val and Nathaniel coming from two very different walks of life, she tells herself she needs to get far away from this little family before it's too late. She doesn't see how someone like Nathaniel would ever want someone like her in his life. But the more they get to know each other, the closer they become. Now Val must decide if she's going to stay on the path that she has been dreaming of all her life or if she should take a new path and make a new dream.

Nathaniel heads to Lobster Cove, Maine with his little ones, Ruby and Finn, for a much needed family vacation. While out enjoying the summer weather, fate throws Val into their path. When he learns that he has cost Val the job opportunity that she desperately needs, he offers her an opportunity that she can't resist. Be his nanny for the summer and he will get her a job at an Art Gallery in Boston.

But what happens when the summer comes to an end? Will he choose the professional path that he's been working towards for years? Or will he realize that what he's been longing for is home and home is wherever Val is.

I absolutely loved Change of Heart! It was the perfect read for me! From the picturesque setting, to little Ruby and Finn, to Val and Nathaniel's journey, I was sucked in from the very beginning and could not put it down! I have a feeling I am going to LOVE this series! Can't wait for the next book to be released. I am hoping it's Seth and Melanie's... ;)

And the casting... *sigh* I love these two as Val and Nathaniel!

First Crush by Heather Tullis

Synopsis:

Third-grade teacher Maddie McCormick was thrilled when the greenhouse classroom actually came to fruition—but she hadn’t counted on angering the local street thugs, or their threats.

Police officer Ben Belliston hadn’t planned on fatherhood—ever—but gaining custody of his orphaned niece had him rearranging all of his priorities. She and Maddie, her new teacher, bonded right away, so he was happy to provide a little off-duty security in the greenhouse—it was more than a fair exchange for the way Maddie helped his niece from her shell. He hadn’t expected to begin seeing his best friend’s little sister in a new light, or the way it would make him question all of his future plans.

My Review: 5 Stars

March 2018:

Second time reading this book and I think I loved it more this time around! Ben and Maddie are perfect for each other and little Felicia is adorable! It's definitely a fun series and I can't wait to read book 3!

March 2016:

Maddie McCormick and her friends have been working on getting the greenhouse up and running not only for her students but for the community as well. When the local gang wants to take back what they think was their's, Maddie has no choice but to turn to her long time crush, Officer Ben Belliston, for help. She has been beyond frustrated with him because he can't seem to see her as anyone other than his best friend's little sister.

Ben Belliston did not have a great childhood. His father was an abusive alcoholic and his mother was the punching bag. She refused to leave his father and Ben had no choice but to deal with the abuse. With role models like his parents, he refuses to ever get married or have a family. He will not take a chance of ever turning out like his father. Little did he know that one phone call would change his life forever. When his niece, Felicia, comes to live with him after her mother's death, he has no choice but to turn to Maddie for help.

Will these two ever realize how perfect they are together? Or will the past and their pride ruin what could be the best thing to ever happen to all of them?

First Crush was a fun addition to the In the Garden series! I loved seeing all the characters from Hello Again! And the addition of little Felicia was perfect! I have actually been on a single parent finding love kick lately and this book did not disappoint! There is just something about little kids pulling at the heart strings of big alpha males that just melts my heart! I love it!

Heather Tullis has become an auto-buy author for me! She has a way of sucking me into her books and not letting me go until the end! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series! If you haven't read anything by her yet then you are missing out! I highly recommend this series as well as the DiCarlo Bride series. So fun! :)

And of course I can't forget my casting! I think these two are perfect! ;) Hehe.

Hello Again by Heather Tullis

Synopsis:

Piper Daniels has one wish—to keep her little brother out of trouble—but her work schedule and a lack of activities for teens in her neighborhood complicate that mission. When she latches onto the idea of starting a community garden, it seems to answer all of her requirements. Until she realizes who owns the property she wants to use.

Reece Stone was the love of her life ten years earlier, until he left with only a phone call goodbye and no explanation. Now he’s the head of Stone Enterprises, and he’s thrilled at the chance to make amends and spend time with the woman he’s never been able to forget. He knows they can find love again, if he can melt her anger enough to give him a chance.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

March 2018:

It's been awhile since I have read this series and I thought that since the 3rd book was recently released that I would give myself a refresher course before reading it. I am still totally in love with Reece! He's pretty amazing! *dreamy sigh* I can't wait to reread book 2 and then move on to book 3! :)

May 2015:

I've been on a lost love kick lately and I love it! I am definitely a sucker for these types of stories. I love seeing the couple overcome past hurts and move forward to their happily ever after!

Piper and Reece dated for part of a summer and they clicked instantly. Things were going great until one day Piper receives a phone call from Reece breaking things off and then he takes off. Piper is heart broken and depressed. She thought that they really had something special and just didn't understand why things went down hill so fast.

Fast forward years later and she is now working full time and taking care of her autistic brother while her mom works swing shifts. Her brother seems to be getting into more trouble lately and Piper has to decide what to do with him. There is nothing in their neighborhood that will keep him and the other kids occupied and out of trouble. Then Piper has the brilliant idea of doing a community garden. She and her friends, Adelyn and Maddie, do some research and start putting her plan into action. The only problem is the lot that would be perfect for her project is owned by the one and only Reece Stone.

Reece has always regretted breaking things off with Piper. However, he really didn't have a choice in the matter. He had to or else the consequences of him staying with her would ruin his life. But he never stopped thinking about her. When the proposal for the community garden comes across his desk he almost lets it pass by until he sees who the proposal is from. The wheels in his head start turning and he believes that this is his second chance with the one and only woman he has ever loved. The only problem?! Convincing Piper that he really does love her and wants her in his life.

*dreamy sigh* Reece is absolutely amazing!! I LOVE him!! He really did have his work cut out for him when it comes to winning Piper back. But with a little honestly... lots of patience... and fighting to make her dreams come true he is able to show her just how much she really means to him and how he never stopped loving her. And I just have to say I LOVED his relationship with Spencer! While some people had trouble connecting him him and not wanting him around... Reece made him feel apart of various things and never left him out. Seriously... this man rocked!!

I do have to say I did not like their mom. She really was a piece of work and I really, really wanted to knock her upside the head! Ugh! What kind of person does those types of things?! She is the mom for crying out loud and she needs to act like one! I know towards the end she started trying but the book ended before she really got a chance to make things right in my opinion. Not sure if I ended up liking her or not. I guess time and other books in the series will tell.

All in all it was a really good book and I really enjoyed it!! I only wish that it would have been just a little bit longer... maybe like a chapter. I would have LOVED to see Spencer's reaction to what happened at the end... it would have been priceless!! But instead... it just ended. :( And as you all know... I hate that! Lol. But I guess it'll all work out since there are going to be other books in the series. :) I am definitely looking forward to Adelyn and Maddie's stories!

And of course no review of mine would be complete without casting! ;) Hehe. So... here is my Piper and Reece...

 

Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson

Synopsis:

For Noah Mackie, life is finally back on track. He has a great support system, a promised promotion is on its way, and he's finally getting the hang of this single father thing. But when the job falls through and his neighbor's matchmaking efforts become more aggressive, Noah is in for yet another unwanted detour. With his career and two spirited daughters to worry about, he doesn't have time for dating—especially not someone like Cassie Ellis, his girls' beautiful and sophisticated dance instructor, who is about as open and approachable as a brick wall.

Rough around the Edges Meets Refined is about two people who think they know exactly what they want but who have no idea what they really need. It's about learning that people aren't always what they seem and that sometimes life’s detours take you exactly where you need to go.

My Review: 5 Stars

Cassie is a recent widow. But she's not like any other widow. She does not miss her husband at all. He was a horrible person who was very controlling and wouldn't let Cassie do anything that she wanted to do. Now that she is free from him she is on a journey of self discovery. She knows that she can never be the person that she used to be but she also doesn't want to be the person her husband had turned her into. She doesn't know who she is. But she does know that she never, ever wants to be controlled by a man again. So when her friend, Becky, tries to set her up with a single father, she wants nothing at all to do with it.

Noah is a single father of two beautiful, active girls. He's on the verge of a promotion and life just couldn't get any better! Until the promotion doesn't come through. he loses his job and his well meaning but meddling neighbor, Becky, decides she has the perfect woman to set him up with. He really doesn't want to have anything to do with any woman and tries his best to dodge any kind of setups. When Becky tells him that all he has to do is find out what Cassie's favorite ice cream is and she'll leave him alone and never set him up again, Noah agrees and sets out to find out what it is so he can get back to living his life. Little did he know that one simple question would set him on the path that he never knew he wanted to go down. Now... all he has to do is to show Cassie that that path isn't all that scary and going down it together is just what they both need.

I really enjoyed seeing Noah and Cassie get to know each other and grow closer together. Noah was extremely patient with what Cassie went through with her husband and had to remind her several times that he wasn't him and didn't want to control her. But I do understand that it can be very scary to start any kind of relationship after everything she had to go through. I felt at times she was too cautious. Noah had to prove himself over and over and over again! And I really didn't think it was very fair to him. When she left to "figure things out" I was thinking she had better do something spectacular to win Noah back!

Most of you know that one of my biggest pet peeves is when a book just ends! No conclusion... no nothing! Just ends! I hate that! But another one of my pet peeves is when the heroine does something to hurt the hero and then the hero has to go crawling back to her. Seriously?! She broke it! Let her fix it! I know... I know... I am probably one of the very few who think this way. But alas... I do! And thank goodness there are some authors who think the way I do! ;) That is all I have to say on this subject. Hehe.

All in all this was a really, really good book! I loved it! Rachael Anderson does it again! She is another auto-buy author for me! I seriously can't wait for Sam's story... Stick in the Mud Meets Spontaneity. I have already pre-ordered it and I can't WAIT to read it!! ;)

And of course I can't forget the casting! Can I tell you how much I love finding new people to cast for all these amazing books?! Seriously... I love it! :) Hehe. So... what do you think?!

2018 Rereading Madness!

Can you believe it's March already?! Where is this year going?! It's crazy!

Last year I had SO much fun doing Rereading Madness and thought, why not do it again this year?! Especially because I have MORE favorites that I want to reread! Haha.

For those of you who are new to my blog, I had been in the mood to reread a bunch of my favorites but wanted to come up with a catchy name. Since March is March Madness for basketball and I wanted to cram as many books in as possible during the month, I thought Rereading Madness would be perfect!

And now... without further adieu... I give you my list!

1. Stone Silence by Taylor Dean
2. Jailbird by Taylor Dean
3. Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean
4. Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen
5. His Personal Relationship Manager by Jennifer Peel
6. Statistically Improbable by Jennifer Peel
7. Undeniably Chosen by Shelly Crane
8. Change of Heart by Jennifer Moore
9. Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt
10. Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachael Anderson
11. Hawaiian Masquerade by Rachelle Christensen
12. Hello Again by Heather Tullis
13. First Crush by Heather Tullis

Ambitious? Yes! Crossing my fingers that I can read them all!

If you want to join me in the Rereading Madness then grab the picture, make your list and then come share your post! If you don't have a blog, comment below with your list! Can't wait to see which books you'll be rereading!

My Sweetheart by Shannon Guymon

Synopsis:

Jane Kendall loves her new life. She loves baking. She loves working with her sisters. And oh yeah, she loves Tate Matafeo most of all. Which would be great if he loved her back. Jane refuses to let heartbreak rule her life though, so she turns to Google and finds 10 easy steps on How To Fall Out Of Love. As helpful as Google is, Tate Matafeo is a hard habit to break especially when her new friend Meredith insists she come to a Rugby game and Tate happens to be on the team. Alex Foster is one man willing to take her mind off of Tate, but Jane knows trouble when she sees it and ends up getting a restraining order. Between Kit's wedding, Tate's mixed signals, Alex's obsession and her father's rehab, Jane wonders if she'll ever get her happy ending.

My Review: 5 Stars

So... I've got no clue how many times I have reread this book! I've lost count! Haha. I still absolutely LOVE it! *dreamy sigh* These Matafeo men! Where can I find me one?! ;)

Okay... I changed my mind! My Sweetheart is my FAVORITE in the Love and Dessert Trilogy!! I was really sad to see it end and I immediately wanted to start it all over again the second I finished!!

Jane is a hopeless romantic who is hopelessly in love with Tate Matafeo and has been from the moment she met him. The sad thing is, he's a stubborn man and even though he feels the same way that she does, he will not do anything about his feelings. Like I said.. stubborn man!! Grrr.

Jane decides that she is going to do anything and everything she can to get over Tate. Not only did she consult Google for help but she also enlisted Rob, yes.. I said Rob, to help her as well. In actuality Jane and Rob end up helping each other... she needs to get over Tate and he needs to get over Kit. It's a win/win. ;) We get to see how much Rob really does regret doing the things he did to Kit and we also get to see him making some changes in his life. In the end... you will end up liking him... I promise!

*sigh*

And as for Tate... the poor guy is torn between his love for Jane and his respect for his family. They are very traditional people and do not really like change.. but who can blame them?! None of us do! They really only wanted what they thought was best for Tate. And, thanks to Jane, they were able to open their eyes and see that happiness is what they want the most for him. And his happiness is JANE!! I absolutely LOVED when she went up to Toa and Pika in the restaurant and thanked them for helping to raise an amazing man that she would soon be able to call her husband. That took a lot of guts and really helped them to see just who Tate was bringing into their family. It was awesome!

Ugh! Let's just address the creep Alex in a very tiny and short paragraph. He is a psycho, creepy loser that got what was coming to him. The End!

And as for their father... it was good to see that they were able to get some kind of closure with him. He still has a long way to go but with their help he was able to make some good decisions and get the help he so desperately needed. I don't think they will ever be close but at least they know they did everything they could to help him out whether he deserved it or not.

And let me just say... I absolutely LOVED the weddings!! It was the perfect way to end an amazing series!! I cannot tell you how many times I have read this series but the more I do... the more I love it!! This series is definitely an all time favorite for me and has gotten me out of many a reading funks!! Shannon's books are literally my go to's whenever anything is going wrong. I know that by picking up any of her books my day will be brighter and my load will be lighter!! It really is a great break from reality!!

So I say if you have NOT read this series.. you are missing out and you DEFINITELY need to add these to your TBR List... you will not be disappointed!! ;)

Oh... and a little tidbit I learned this time around?! How Shannon came up with the titles for the books in this series!! It was from the song Ho Hey by The Lumineers!! And yes... even though I've read this series at least 6 times I JUST caught it!! How cool and perfect is that?! ;)

And of course I can't forget my casting!! ;)

 

Shadows in the Curtain by Cami Checketts

Synopsis:

Every stage actress wants fans, but what happens when one goes too far?

Emmy has the perfect life— a house on the beach, a successful career headlining the local theater, and love. But when a brutal murder brings unimaginable grief, Emmy’s world comes crashing down. As she tries to pick up the pieces, she can’t seem to avoid Josh, the new fireman in town. 

Emmy does her best to fight the sizzle in her chest when Josh is near. But with the stalker still out there, terrorizing her and those she cares about, she can’t fall for anyone—especially Josh, a suspect in the murder investigation.

If Emmy allows a man to get close, it’s not just her heart she puts at risk, it’s her life.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

2nd time around and it is still super cute! *dreamy sigh*

Emmy is extremely happy with her life. She is married to her best friend, has the perfect house on the beach and a successful career headlining at the local theater. Of course any successful actress has admirers and sometimes a stalker. When Emmy starts receiving threatening notes, her happy life starts to crumble. Tragedy strikes when the stalker kills her husband. Emmy has a hard time moving forward. She no longer feels safe and has no clue who she can trust.  

Josh is in need of a fresh start. When an opportunity arises to transfer to a small town fire station in Oregon, he jumps at the opportunity. This is exactly what he needs to put his life back together. When he first lays eyes on Emmy, he is hooked. But being burned in past relationships has him hesitant to move forward with getting to know her. When he finds out that she's married, he tries his best to stay away and forget her. The moment he hears of the murder of Emmy's husband, he is determined to help find out who is responsible so that Emmy can move on with her life and feel safe again.

Emmy and Josh's connection is extremely strong. No matter how hard they try to stay away from each other, they just can't. Small towns make it hard to avoid anyone. Emmy finally decides to let her guard down and try to move forward with her life. But the closer she gets to Josh, the more danger they both are in. Can they figure out who the stalker is before it's too late? Or will Emmy lose another chance at love and happiness?

So picture this. You're sitting in your room at night reading a murder mystery book. It's quiet and dark. You are completely lost in the book... reading an intense scene... the heroine screams... at the same time the neighbor kids next door start pounding on the wall that separates your apartment from theirs... and. You. Jump. Sky. High! Not gonna lie... I got freaked out! Gotta love when an author can grab you and suck you so far into their book that the outside world just disappears! Cami Checketts really knows how to bring her books to life for her readers! Seriously loving all her books! 

And this casting... *dreamy sigh* Love them!! <3

Love Under Construction by Danyelle Ferguson

Synopsis:

Charlee was angry . . .

What do you do when your boss makes someone else the lead on a big renovation project that should rightfully be yours? You quit. On second thought, that might not be the best idea, but Charlee Jackson has never been one for second thoughts. Instead, she lands a big contract of her own. She’s jumping into her new life—work boots, tool belt and all. Now she just needs to form a company and hire contractors and buy supplies and get an office . . . and not fall in love with her former boss's son. Yeah. Definitely not that last one.

Peter was torn . . .

You can’t date someone who works for you, but now that his dad let Charlee walk out the door, Peter Elliot is considering his options. Charlee was their top renovation expert, his best friend’s sister, and the only thing that made the drudgery of running a large construction business bearable. But how do you date a competitor, especially one your father is trying to drive out of business? It would be stupid to make your dad angry right before he retires and hands the company over to you. Right?

When Charlee and Peter are scheduled to work on the same Indulgence Row house, their feelings and priorities are put to the test. They need to make a choice, and they better be quick about it, because the whole mixture is curing fast and threatening to crumble to pieces.

My Review: 4 Stars

2nd time around and this is still cute! :)

Charlee absolutely loves renovation work. It doesn't matter if it's a house or a desk, she is in her element when she's restoring things to their former glory. When the opportunity arises to renovate Indulgence Row, Charlee would love nothing more than to take lead on the project. She takes her idea to her boss only to be told that Peter will be the project leader. Charlee gives him an ultimatum, let her be lead or she'll quit. George refuses and Charlee leaves to start up her own restoration company. 

Peter is furious when he finds out what his father has done. He can't believe his father let their top renovation expert quit because of his father's stupid pride of letting a woman take lead on a project. He knows that she would be the perfect lead but he can't go against his father's wishes... not when he is so close to his father retiring and him taking over Elliot Construction. But there is one positive that can come out of Charlee no longer working for Elliot Construction.. Peter can now act on his feelings for her.

Watching Charlee and Peter embark on their journey of transitioning from friends to a couple was not without its ups and downs. There were several outside forces trying to keep them apart. But that didn't stop them. They were able to learn about themselves as individuals as well as a couple and became stronger because of it.  

Love Under Construction sucked me in from the very beginning and I could not put it down! I loved every minute of it! I laughed, I cried, I let out lots of dreamy sighs... I even growled in frustrations and wanted to Gibbs slap several people. In other words... it had everything to make it a great book! If only it would NOT have just ended! I know this is a series and it will pick up shortly after were it left off but I wanted just a little bit more! But then again when you love the book, it's never quite long enough... ;) 

And what do you think about this casting?! I love it! :) 

Content: Mild language.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Sweet Confections by Danyelle Ferguson

Synopsis:

According to Rachel Marconi chocolate heals all wounds. That and throwing darts at pictures of her ex-boyfriend. Burned by yet another bad relationship, Rachel decides to reprioritize her life, putting her dream to compete on a Food Network Challenge on the top of her list and dating at the bottom crossed out in red sharpie.

But what's a girl to do when a certain sexy guy keeps asking her out?

Cue in Graydon Green, a former pro hockey player turned restaurant owner. After a lot of persistent and humorous teasing, he finally convinces Rachel to commit to a date. Just when things begin to warm up, threatening notes directed at Rachel arrive. When her bakery is vandalized, Graydon's protective streak goes on red alert. Is it her obsessive ex-boyfriend stalking her? Or maybe a challenger trying to sabotage the competition?

Either way, Rachel is definitely going to need more chocolate - perhaps drizzled over ice cream and devil's food cake.

My Review: 5 Stars

2nd time reading this book and I loved it just as much! It's definitely one that I will be rereading over and over again! :)

Rachel can see it now. A sparkly ring on her left ring finger. She is this close to getting her happily ever after. This. Close. That is until her boyfriend Nico tells her that he's married. Married with kids. How did she not see this?! Without even thinking she punches him in the face and runs away. But Nico just won't let her leave the restaurant. She has to let him explain everything. The more she tries to leave, the more aggressive he gets.

Enter in the very handsome Graydon Green who comes to her rescue and offers her a safe place to hide out until Nico is gone and her cab arrives. While she's sitting in the office talking to the handsome stranger she decides that enough is enough. It's time to get her life back on track. She needs to focus on her bakery and competing on a Food Network Challenge and winning. Men are completely off the table.

But Graydon has a different plan in mind. He has never met anyone like Rachel before and he is determined to get to know her better. He soon realizes that he'll need to take things slow if he ever wants a chance with her. But he has all the time in the world to make her his. She just doesn't know it yet.. ;)

And just when things start to heat up between Rachel and Graydon, unseen forces arise and throw a wrench in their happily ever after. Between her stalker, threatening notes, vandalism, and sabotage at the competition, Rachel and Graydon will have to hold on tight and hope they discover who's behind it all before it's too late.

Loved... Loved... LOVED Sweet Confections! I could not put it down! Rachel and Graydon had an awesome relationship! Rachel is a little firecracker! I loved how she just said whatever popped into her mind and didn't seem to have a filter. Graydon was just amazing! He was patient, he was encouraging, he had faith in her and always knew exactly what to do when she needed him most.

I think one of my favorite scenes was when he met her family for Sunday dinner! Hilarious! And I loved little Stockton! Such a sweet precious child! I got all teary eyed when he talked to Graydon... you just have to read the book to know what I'm talking about... ;) *sigh*

I loved the mystery added into the mix. I had my suspicions pretty early on and even though I am not a patient person when it comes to mysteries, I let the story unfold naturally and really enjoyed that element of the book.

I loved all the characters and the relationships they had with each other. The book was just amazing! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Danyelle Ferguson is definitely a new favorite of mine! Can't wait to try some of the recipes at the end of the book! A huge plus if you ask me! ;)

And of course no review of mine would be complete without the casting. What do you think?! *dreamy sigh*

Content: Mild language and mild violence.

Kissing Cousins by Marcia Lynn McClure

Synopsis:

Poppy Amore loved her job waitressing at Good Ol' Days Family Restaurant. No one could ask for a better working environment. After all, her best friend Whitney worked there, and her boss, restaurant owner Mr. Dexter, was a kind, understanding, grandfatherly sort of man. Furthermore, the job allowed Poppy to linger in the company of Mr. Dexter's grandson Swaggart Moretti-the handsome and charismatic head cook at Good Ol' Days.

Secretly, Swaggart was far more to Poppy than just a man who was easy to look at. In truth, she had harbored a secret crush on him for years-since her freshman year in high school, in fact. And although the memory of her feelings-even the lingering truth of them-haunted Poppy the way a veiled, unrequited love always haunts a heart, she had learned to simply find joy in possessing a hidden, anonymous delight in merely being associated with Swaggart. Still, Poppy had begun to wonder if her heart would ever let go of Swaggart Moretti-if any other man in the world could ever turn her head.

When the dazzling, uber-fashionable Mark Lawson appeared one night at Good Ol' Days, however, Poppy began to believe that perhaps her attention and her heart would be distracted from Swaggart at last. Mark Lawson was every girl's fantasy-tall, uniquely handsome, financially well-off, and as charming as any prince ever to appear in fairy tales. He was kind, considerate, and, Poppy would find, a true, old-fashioned champion. Thus, Poppy Amore willingly allowed her heart and mind to follow Mark Lawson-to attempt to abandon the past and an unrequited love and begin to move on.

But all the world knows that real love is not so easily put off, and Poppy began to wonder if even a man so wonderful as Mark Lawson could truly drive Swaggart Moretti from her heart. Would Poppy Amore miss her one chance at happiness, all for the sake of an unfulfilled adolescent's dream?

My Review: 4 Stars

March 2017 - This is still a super cute read! :)

Poppy is completely and totally head over heels in love with Swaggart and has been for a very long time! And sadly she thinks that Swaggart will only view her as just a friend. When she meets Mark and he shows interest in her, she decides that it is time to try and move on from the handsome Swaggart.

Poor Swaggart is in love with Poppy as well but has a hard time believing that someone like Poppy would want to be with him. He loves being the head cook at Good Ol' Days and really can't see himself doing anything else. He thinks that he doesn't have anything to offer her. But he has a hard time letting go of her when Mark steps into the picture. And when his grandfather finds Poppy's "Dreams to Do" List and shows Swaggart her #1 dream he decides that he could at least help her check it off her list. ;)

For me, I did not like Mark at all! The little things he did just bugged me! I can't explain it. Maybe it is because I am totally Team Swaggart or maybe it was because those things were just plain annoying. Either way... I didn't like him. Lol. I know his part was important in the book because it gave Poppy another option but I am Team Swaggart all the way! Haha.

I loved watching Poppy and Swaggart move from friendship to something more. From him checking off #1 on her list, to an evening under the stars, to their first date... I loved it all! And when they both admit that they are and have been in love with each other for forever... perfect! Throw in all the songs and good times from Good Ol' Days and you have me wishing that everything about this book was real! I would LOVE to be able to visit!

If you are looking for a book full of friendship, laughter, good music, love and just good times then this is the book for you! Pick it up! You won't be disappointed!

And of course I just have to share my casting choices... ;)