Write Me Home by Crystal Walton

Synopsis:

He lives by his heart. She lives by her plans. Until they lose control of both.

Returning to his hometown in the Catskills is the last thing firefighter Ethan DeLuca’s ready for. He’d rather leave memories where they belong—buried under ashes. But if he doesn’t step up to take care of Nonna, who will? Working at the camp down the road seems like the perfect solution. Until his feisty redheaded boss ends up being one fire he has no idea how to put out.

Cassidy McAdams is on a mission. Get the camp Grandpa left her ready to sell, turn enough profit to bail Mom’s business out of foreclosure, and hightail it back to her life in New York City. With unexpected complications mounting, she can’t afford any distractions. Especially a ridiculously charming one who’s eager to rescue her at every turn.

It’d be easier on them both to hide behind professional boundaries. But when unexplained attacks on the camp ignite a connection between them they can’t ignore, running away is no longer an option.

My Review: 4 Stars

Ethan and Cassidy have returned to Catskills for different reasons. Him to help his Nonna and her to fix up the camp her grandfather left her so she can sell it. From the moment their paths crossed, their journey begins.

After tragedy strikes Ethan and his family, he decides to dedicate his life to rescuing and helping anyone and everyone he can. He never imagined his rescuing would bring him back to a place he thought he would never return to. There is just too much history for him and he's not ready to face it. But when he meets Cass and sparks fly, he wants to see where it will lead. Can she help him to heal? To move on from the past? Or will he allow hurt and anger to rule him?

Cass is a very independent person full of sass. Between her father leaving when she was a child, her mother depending on drugs to function, and her ex-boyfriend using her, she has learned to not trust anyone. She has a hard time letting anyone in, letting them help her and letting them love her. She has built her walls up so high, no one can get past them. But when Ethan comes to her rescue over and over and over again, she has a hard time trying to keep those walls up. Will letting him in be the thing that mends her broken heart and restores her trust in people? Or will it reaffirm the only person that she can depend on to take care of her, is her?

Cass and Ethan's journey was filled with so many emotions! It is one of self discovery, overcoming the past, learning to trust again and of course love. I found myself rooting for them and would get frustrated when things weren't going my way. I enjoyed seeing them grow as individuals as well as a couple. They were the perfect match to make the other better. 

I enjoyed the story but I have to admit something was missing for me. It felt a bit disjointed at times. The mystery aspect of the story could have been developed a bit more. It felt like an afterthought to me. I did figure out who the "bad guy" was before it was revealed and was a bit disappointed in the outcome. I would have liked to see more with how it was handled. 

All in all it was a good story. This is my first book by Crystal Walton and I will definitely be checking more out by her. I am hoping Ti gets her own story. I would love to see what makes her tick and see her get her own HEA. 

And of course I can't forget my casting! I found a picture of Liam with a dog and was half tempted to cast Sandy as well but I decided to just go with the people... ;) Hehe. What do you think?!

The Rebellious One by Jeanette Lewis

Synopsis:

Holly Clarke is all set to marry the man of her dreams. Or rather, the man of her parents’ dreams. Whoever heard of a girl in 2016 America being betrothed? Holly knows she has to find a way out of the engagement—especially when she meets mysterious, sexy Jordan Fischler. But Jordan has a secret, and loving him could mean the end of everything Holly knows.

My Review 4.5 Stars

Holly has grown up on Le Ciel her whole life. She loved it and hated it at the same time. She views the resort as an older sibling that her parents loved more than her. They never seemed to have time for her growing up. They always put the resort first. Everything was done to "better the resort".

Holly has known forever that she would marry Brit, the son of her father's partner, to make sure that the resort stays in the families. She's never really given any thought to it until she goes to her best friend, Nikki's wedding. She sees the way that Nikki and Darrin look at each other, as if they are the only two people in the room, and she longs to have that for herself. 

When Holly and Jordan first meet they are instantly drawn to each other. There is just something that makes them want to be near each other, to get to know each other better. Jordan has Holly questioning everything she has ever known and has her wanting to put herself first. to find the happiness that she deserves. But Jordan has a secret that he's keeping from Holly. This secret could destroy everything she has ever known. But he's falling for Holly and now he's torn. Does he choose the path that he's been planning for his entire life? Or does he choose Holly? 

Now they both will have to decide which is more important, their happiness or the resort? 

The Rebellious One is such a fun addition to this series! Le Ciel sounds like an absolutely perfect place that I would LOVE to visit! Especially the Secret Garden! I was sucked in from the very beginning and stayed up way past my bedtime finishing this book! It was the perfect getaway! I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out! 

And can we take just a minute to admire the cover?! It is GORGEOUS! I think this is my favorite one in the series so far! So fun! 

Of course we can't forget the casting. What do you think?! Can you picture these two has Holly and Jordan?!

The Reclusive Billionaire by Lucy McConnell

Synopsis:

Lucas Scott, a world-renowned microbiologist, is desperate to find a cure for the butterfly flu before it spreads. Hounded by the media, he escapes to his houseboat in Santa Barbara where he meets a vivacious veterinarian with a penchant for taking in strays. While he searches for the key to unlocking the butterfly flu, Becca somehow unlocks his analytical heart.

Becca Lee isn't impressed with her new neighbor. His clothes are constantly wrinkled and he's grumpier than a cat with digestive problems. However, Luke isn't easy to brush off. He's always around, has a magnificent mind, and is full of surprises. But, what she can't figure out is why her instincts tell her to trust this rouge billionaire. It doesn't take long to realize he is the only one alive who can save the world and Becca has to make a choice--open her heart or watch Luke sail off into the sunset.

My Review: 3.5 Stars

Lucas Scott is a world-renowned microbiologist in search of a cure for the butterfly flu. He's on the verge of a breakthrough when things go awry and he ends up having to step down as head of his company and dissolves his research team. In an effort to escape the media and evil reporters he heads to Santa Barbara, CA to live on his boat, Incognito, for the foreseeable future.

Becca Lee is a vet that will do anything and everything for animals. She trusts and loves them more than people. When she first meets Lucas she doesn't want to like him. But there is just something about him that she can't seem to brush off. There's more to him than what's on the outside.

As Lucas and Becca get to know each other better, will they learn to let their guard down and trust each other? Or will secrets keep them apart?

I really, really wanted to love this book! I have loved all the books that I have read by Lucy McConnell. But there was just something missing in this one for me. I can't put my finger on it but by the end I was kinda scratching my head thinking how did we get here?! But it was a fun escape and I'm looking forward to the other books in this series.

And of course we can't forget the casting! ;) 

Weekend Ramblings #5

Are you ready for another Weekend Ramblings a la KJ?!

Well then... let's get ready to raaaaammmmmbbbbbllllleeeee!!!!!

This week's rambling topic is...

*Perfect Reading Conditions*

What do I mean by perfect reading conditions? If you could snap your fingers and be transported to the perfect reading spot, with the perfect reading weather, the perfect reading snacks, even the perfect season... where are you? And while we're talking perfection... what author(s) would you be reading?

Me?! Well... the perfect season would be the fall. I would be in the mountains somewhere with a lake view, in a log cabin with a covered wraparound porch filled with big comfy chairs that I can lounge in. I would be curled up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and it would be raining! Yes... I said raining! I absolutely LOVE the rain and think it's the perfect weather to curl up with a book and just read to my little hearts content. Add in a little thunder and lightening and I would be golden!

My snacks would include chips and dip, popcorn, some kind of chocolate, ice cream and Pepsi! Of course not all together because that would just be yucky! Lol. But those are some of my reading snacks.

And of course my kindle would be loaded with all kinds of fun books by Jennifer Peel, Shannon Guymon, Lucy McConnell, Cami Checketts, Nicole Deese, Jeanette Lewis, Shelly Crane... just to name a few. There are seriously WAY too many favorites to list!  

Now it's your turn! Where are you taking us on YOUR reading journey?! Inquiring minds want to know!

So come on party people... let's rrrrraaaaammmmmbbbbbllllleeeee!! ;)

First Line Friday's #5

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:

The Reclusive Billionaire by Lucy McConnell

Lucas Scott, a world-renowned microbiologist, is desperate to find a cure for the butterfly flu before it spreads. Hounded by the media, he escapes to his houseboat in Santa Barbara where he meets a vivacious veterinarian with a penchant for taking in strays. While he searches for the key to unlocking the butterfly flu, Becca somehow unlocks his analytical heart.

Becca Lee isn't impressed with her new neighbor. His clothes are constantly wrinkled and he's grumpier than a cat with digestive problems. However, Luke isn't easy to brush off. He's always around, has a magnificent mind, and is full of surprises. But, what she can't figure out is why her instincts tell her to trust this rouge billionaire. It doesn't take long to realize he is the only one alive who can save the world and Becca has to make a choice--open her heart or watch Luke sail off into the sunset.

FIRST LINE

"Dr. Scott! Dr. Scott! Running his hands up the sides of the dark wood, Dr. Lucas Scott gripped the edge of the lectern, feeling the corners dig into his palms in an effort to ground himself enough to make a coherent statement in front of the dozens of reporters in his press room."

I am a HUGE fan of Lucy McConnell! I absolutely LOVE all of her Billionaire books! They were the first books of hers that I read and are definite auto-buys without even reading the synopsis. (I'm a rebel like that!) ;) When I heard she was writing a new Billionaire series, along with a few other authors, I knew I would be adding more Billionaire books to my collection. :) 

Rainy weather, a comfy blanket and a good book! It's shaping up to be the perfect weekend! Now all I have to do is make it through my work day and I'll be good to go! ;) Hehe.  

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!

The Carpenter's Daughter Pre-Order and Release Extravaganza!

Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Fiction

Publisher: Rooted Publishing

Publication Date: April 15, 2016

Number of pages: 349

One word can change a life…

Sarah Sharpe has grown up as a carpenter’s daughter, knowing only the rough and work-heavy world of her father’s blue-collar profession. Abandoned by her mother as a baby, she’s lived twenty-one years content to drive nails at her dad’s side. Following her father into the world of construction was a natural path, and she took it without a second thought. But a harsh comment about her “butch” appearance sends her on a search for identity.

​Enter handsome and easygoing Jesse Chapman, the roofer she meets on her first foray into volunteer work for Homes For Hope. In every way, the quirky man is her opposite—confident, a people kind of guy, and most importantly, happy. His likable qualities continue to draw her in, and for some reason he keeps coming back to her. But they can’t be more than friends—he’s made that crystal clear. Except for a handful of times…and the confusion is driving her crazy.
​
Sarah’s quest for self-definition becomes more tangled than she ever imagined, and she discovers that the journey will take her deeper than clothes and makeup. Filling the void in her heart becomes an obsession she cannot escape. How far is she willing to go to discover who she really is?

GOODREADS | Pre-order now on AMAZON for $0.99

Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. The draw to fiction has tugged hard on her heart since childhood, and when she began pursuing writing she set on stories that pointed to the grace of God. Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic. She would love to hear from you! Please connect with Jennifer on:

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=18f1f9a19d31

http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=182117dcdce1

http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3707943560d5

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KJ's Casting Corner!

Guess what party people?! It's time to announce a new meme kind of post here at KJ's Book Nook!

What's the name?! Why KJ's Casting Corner of course!

What is it all about?! A post where I can share some of my most favoritest casting choices!

How often will you see it?! I have decided on every 3 months.

How many choices will you see?! This is actually a tough decision since there are so many choices! But I am going to go with 5. Let's see how long that will last... ;) Hehe.

Why did I choose to do a Casting Corner?! One of the things I hear on a regular basis is that people love the casting part of my reviews. I have actually had a couple of people tell me that they purposely wait for me to read and review a book before they start it so they can see the casting I have picked. These kinds of things make me extremely happy to hear! So this just seems like a good post to do, right?! ;)

So... are you ready to see which casting choices over the last 3 months are my favorite?! Yes?! Well then let's get posting!

Here they are in no particular order...

Noah and Harley from The Protective Groom by Lucy McConnell

Maryn and Tucker from The Feisty One by Cami Checketts

Willa and Patrick from A Season to Love by Nicole Deese

Jason and Kenadie from His Personal Relationship Manager by Jennifer Peel

Beck and Alyssa from The Resilient One by Cami Checketts

What about you? Do you have a favorite? Which one(s)? Inquiring minds want to know! ;)

Duchess by Nikki Wilson

Synopsis:
Katie Murphy is the manager of overnight pop sensation, Duchess, whose biggest gimmick is that no one knows her true identity. Katie’s job is to keep this secret no matter the cost. When Duchess agrees to perform in a benefit concert for wounded veterans, Katie gets more than she bargained for when she meets Chase.

Carter Chase went from being a soldier in the Army to volunteering at Veterans’ Aid. The charity helped him through a dark time and he would do anything for them, including help plan a benefit concert. But when he finds out the main act is Duchess, the British pop diva who makes fun of America, he is ready to bail out—until he meets Duchess’s manager, Katie Murphy.

As they work together, Chase soon becomes a risk to Duchess’s true identity . . . and also to Katie’s heart.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Katie has loved music all her life. Her biggest dream was to become a famous singer/song writer. She has been rejected by several recording labels and doesn't know if she can handle anymore. When her mom, Shirley, was diagnosed with cancer, she decides to give up her dream and manage the overnight pop sensation, Duchess, so that she can afford the treatments for her mom. The one rule? She must keep Duchess' identity a secret no matter what. 

Chase is a wounded vet who is struggling to overcome the trauma of war. At his lowest point he discovered Veteran's Aid, a charity that helps vets like him to overcome dark times. Now he is a volunteer there and will do anything he can to help them out. But when he's asked to help with a benefit concert featuring Duchess, his loyalty for the charity will be tested to the max. There is just something about the pop diva that rubs him the wrong way. He has never liked Duchess and doesn't think she is the right fit for the Veteran's Aid charity benefit. Can he change their minds about Duchess? Or will he have to learn to like the diva?

Sit back and hold on tight as we venture through a journey of love, forgiveness, hope and self discovery. You will laugh, you will cry, and (if you're anything like me) you may even growl a time or two in frustration because of our stubborn hero and heroine.

All in all this was a very enjoyable read! I did not want to put the book down! I was getting frustrated when real life kept getting in the way of my reading time! ;) I do have to say I would have loved an epilogue. It would've been perfect in my opinion! :)

And let me just say that if I didn't know that Duchess was the very first book Nikki Wilson had published, I never would've guessed she was a new author! She is definitely one to keep an eye on! Looking forward to reading more by her! :)

* I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

And of course I can't forget my casting! There wasn't a description of our hero (other than dimples and muscles) so this is who kept popping into my mind. Can we say hottie?! ;) Hehe.