Rachel Laine by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Rachel Whitney’s life changed forever when Drew, the son of her twin sister, Sydney, was placed in her arms—and there he stayed. At twenty-two, she had no idea what she was doing, but in that moment, she knew that raising Drew was what she was meant to do with her life.

Fiercely independent, Rachel makes her own way managing her family's insurance agency. Decidedly against introducing any men into her life, or Drew’s, she protects her heart against all romantic entanglements. But what she didn’t count on was a letter from her sister that leads a famous secret to her door eight years after her sister’s death. A secret with the same eyes as her son’s.

Desperate not to get the courts involved, Rachel allows Drew’s previously unknown father into their lives, and to her surprise, little by little into her heart. But for Rachel, taking that step could open her family to a firestorm of media attention that not even Merryton can protect them from. Is love worth the risk? Or will his fame and ambition ruin their chances?

My Review: 5+ Stars!

Rachel Laine became a mom at the age of 22 when her identical twin sister passed away during childbirth. From the moment little Drew was placed in her arms, she knew that being his mom was what she was meant to do with her life. She knew that she would do anything and everything for that little guy. Being fiercely independent, she was determined to provide the best life she could for him on her own. But all her efforts to stay independent and single until Drew is grown goes right out the window the moment Andrew steps into her office looking for her sister Sydney.

Andrew is a retired baseball player who wants to follow in his father's political footsteps and run for his old seat as a District Representative in CO. But before he can announce his candidacy, he needs to know if something that happened in the past is true. He needs to know if he had fathered a child a little over eight years ago. Determined to do the right thing, he heads to Merryton, CO in search of answers. Andrew never expected that his life would be turned upside down the moment his steps into Rachel Laine's office and discovers that he is indeed a father.

Decisions are made, and against Rachel's better judgement, she allows Andrew to be part of Drew's life as a "friend". There is just too much at stake for all involved if word gets out about Drew's paternity. Rachel hates lying to anyone, especially Drew, but she will play nice for her son's sake. Even though Andrew has sworn he never would, Rachel doesn't want to give him any reason to think about taking Drew away from her. But the more time they spend together, the more drawn to each other they become and the more they are in need of not only protecting Drew, but protecting themselves and their hearts as well.

Tragedy strikes and when Rachel needs him the most, Andrew makes a wrong decision. Feeling brokenhearted and rejected, Rachel builds up the walls around her heart. She will allow Andrew to be apart of Drew's life but she will not let him into her heart again. Andrew regrets making the choice that he did and will do anything to make it up to Rachel. Can he gain her forgiveness so they can finally move forward to become a family? Or will it be too little, too late?

I just have to tell you the feels are real people! I laughed, I cried, I growled in frustration, I wanted to throw my kindle across the room, I let out little dreamy sighs, I fell in love with Merryton all over again! And little Drew was absolutely adorable! Such a well behaved, fun, loving kid! I loved watching his and Andrew's relationship develop. You can see how much they both loved each other and needed each other in their lives.

Rachel Laine is my new favorite book in this series! I absolutely LOVED it! Jennifer really does have a way of sucking me in and not letting me go until the journey is over. I didn't even want to sleep until I finished reading this book. But alas, after my kindle hit me in the face for the third time, I decided it was time for bed. BUT I woke up extra early the next day so I could finish! Hehe. I am loving this series! I can't wait for Cheyenne's book! :)

And check out this casting! I am seriously in love with these two! <3

Taylor Lynne by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Determined not to repeat the same mistakes as her mother, Taylor Cole left her husband with their toddler in tow fourteen years ago and vowed never to return to Merryton. Now she is finally ready to face her demons and put the past and her ex-husband behind her, but to do that she and her daughter must return to the place that haunts her memories. A place where she lost not only the love of her life, but her childhood hopes and dreams.

When they move back, Taylor can’t seem to remain apathetic toward her ex-husband or his nine-year-old daughter. She discovers that maybe all wasn’t as it seemed so many years ago. And maybe—just maybe—she and her ex-husband need each other more now than they ever have before. But can the exes put the past behind them and find a way to forgive each other? Or will they let past mistakes and misunderstandings keep them from future happiness?

Return to Merryton and join Taylor and Easton on their journey, and catch up with old friends you grew to love in Jessie Belle.

My Review: 5+ Amazingly Beautiful Second Chance Stars!

Taylor Lynne ran away from the small town of Merryton, CO 14 years ago and swore she would never return. When her ex-husband Easton wants to build a relationship with their daughter Ashley and have her get to know her sister, Emmy, Taylor decides this is just what she needs to finally get over Easton. Little did she know that fate had something else in store for her.

Easton knows he made a huge mistake by letting Taylor go all those years ago without a fight. Now that she is back in Merryton, he will do his best to right his wrongs. He definitely has a fight on his hands but it's totally worth it if the prize is having Taylor and Ashley back in his life.

Ashley was such a strong, amazing girl! Even though she had been hurt by her father's lack of contact, she was willing to move back to Merryton and give him a second chance, give themselves a chance to get to know the each other and build a strong father/daughter relationship.

And little Emmy won my heart from the very beginning. Even though she is only 9 years old, the adorable little girl is broken.. haunted by her mother. Taylor tried her best to stay away from Emmy, but she too fell in love with the little girl. She showered her with love and affection and the little girl blossomed! Oh how my heart melted with all their interactions!

This book was absolutely AMAZING! I LOVED it! The message of love, forgiveness, growth, family, friendship, fresh starts, new beginnings, second chances... it was all prominent throughout the book. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I stayed up way too late and woke up way too early just to finish it. I had to see how Taylor, Easton, Ashley and Emmy would become a family... I had to see them get their HEA! And I was definitely NOT disappointed! Have I told you that this book is absolutely AMAZING?!

If you guys have not read anything by Jennifer Peel yet then you are seriously missing out! She has a way of capturing you and not letting you go until the journey has been completed. I have devoured and loved every single one of her books! She is truly talented! I can't wait for her next book to be released!

And of course I could not forget my casting! These two are pretty perfect in my opinion.. ;) Hehe.

Jessie Belle by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

Nestled in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, lies the quaint town of Merryton, Colorado. You will never find finer people or better friends. But try keeping a secret in Merryton and you will soon find that the good townspeople are better than any private investigator or undercover journalist. The men and women of Merryton are like living barometers, and when a storm is brewing in the life of one of their own, they are sure to get to the bottom of it--and forecast it on the Merryton grapevine.

Jessica and Blake Summers know a thing or two about what it’s like to be the latest and greatest news on the vine. Their thirteen year marriage has had more than its fair share of heartache and loss. Then the past comes knocking, in the form of a teenage girl, a daughter Blake never knew existed. The news sets the Merryton grapevine on fire.

In the wake of this revelation and firestorm, Blake and Jessica are forced to reevaluate their own relationship and priorities, all while learning that raising a teenage girl is not for the faint of heart. But in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, they discover that Madeline may just be what the doctor ordered to heal their broken hearts and mend their own tattered relationship.

Will they have the courage to look forward and find a greater love than they could ever imagine? Or will past hurts and the town grapevine tear them apart?

My Review: 5 Beautiful Stars!

Jessie and Blake have been put through the ringer over and over again. But instead of them growing closer together, they are growing further and further apart. It's gotten to the point that Jessie doesn't know whether or not she can continue going on the way they have been. Then Blake shows up at Jessie Belle's Cafe and drops the ultimate bomb... he's the father of the almost teenager, Maddie, from a one night stand over 13 years ago. 

Jessie has always dreamed of being a mother. She and Blake have been trying for years. But after several miscarriages and a still birth that resulted in emergency surgery to save Jessie's life, that dream would not come to pass. So when she learns that Blake shares a daughter with another woman, a woman that Jessie hates, she is devastated. She really does not know how to take the news or where they go from here. 

With the help of her parents, her best friends and even Blake himself, she decides that she is going to try to make things work with Blake and try to be the best stepmom that she can possibly be. This does not mean the road is going to smooth sailing. Oh no... quite the opposite in fact. Things will get rougher before they even think to get smoother. 

Jessie and Blake's journey was definitely tough but one worth watching. Before I even finished the first chapter I was hooked. I sat back and held on tight while enjoying the emotional roller coaster that is Jessie Belle. I found myself cheering them on when things were going right, growling and getting frustrated when Blake was being dense or things weren't going my way, rolling my eyes at certain characters that seriously needed to be Gibbs slapped, laughing at the antics of teenagers, getting teary eyed at the sad and even tender moments, and letting out dreamy sighs throughout the whole journey. I seriously felt like I was right there in Merryton experiencing the whole journey with Jessie, Blake and Maddie. It. Was. AMAZING!!  

I have decided that I'm giving Jessie her own theme song. Fight Song by Rachel Platten. She definitely needs one in my opinion. Not only does she have to work on strengthening and bettering her marriage with Blake and learn to be the best stepmom ever, she also has to learn to love herself again. Her poor body and self esteem have taken hit after hit after hit and she doesn't even recognize herself anymore. It was a constant uphill battle for poor Jessie. But dang it... she fought every step of the way!

And while driving to work rocking out to Rachel Platten, I discovered Blake's song for Jessie! It is absolutely PERFECT in my opinion! Are you ready?! Are you sure?! ;) Hehe. It's Stand By You by Rachel Platten. Blake did a lot of growing himself and one thing that he realized was that he could not go a day without Jessie. He knew that he hadn't been the best of husbands and he knew he had a lot to make up for! And make up for it he did! He was her faith, courage and strength when she didn't know if she could go on the way they were going. He set out to prove that he was always going to stand by her no matter what! *dreamy sigh* Have I told you how much I LOVE Blake?! <3

Jennifer Peel did another FANTABULOUS job of sucking me into yet another one of her books! I literally started it yesterday mid-morning, read until midnight when my eyes wouldn't stay open any longer and then woke up at 6am to continue reading to find out what happened next! It has been awhile since a book has done that to me and I loved every minute of it! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series! :) 

As for the casting... I literally saw Jessie from the very first chapter! She just totally fit! Blake took a little longer but I love him just as much as I love Jessie! What do you think?! ;) 

  

Weekend Ramblings

Hey party people! It has been forever since I've done a Weekend Ramblings post. After reading an author's blog post yesterday I decided that I would dedicate this post to authors.

As a reader, I feel the need to apologize to authors everywhere. You all work extremely hard to publish books for readers like me. I, for one, am extremely grateful to each and every one of you. You put your heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears and love into these creations. I'm in awe every single time I read a book. If you ask me, authors are magical. Who else can transport you to another world and take you on many adventures using only 26 letters?! It's magic I tell you!

When I heard there are readers out there who are not only leaving negative reviews, but also sending personal messages to authors that are even more negative, I found it extremely disturbing. Are people's lives so miserable that they have to hide behind a computer screen and tear down authors because they didn't write what you wanted them to write?

I get that not everyone is going to LOVE every book they read. But, in my opinion, us, as readers, need to have some class when it comes to writing reviews and reaching out to authors. There is a way to express your thoughts and feelings without saying cruel and mean things. Personally attacking an author is seriously unacceptable to me. How would we like it if people started tearing our work apart for no other reason than because they wanted to?! I mean come on... authors are humans too! Yes, I know that they have to have a tough skin in this industry and they are not always going to have glowing 5 star reviews all the time. But they also don't need to be torn apart for how they write their books. This is, after all, THEIR creation! These characters speak to THEM. They each have their own individual writing style that makes them unique and puts their mark in the book world.

To the reviewers who are doing these horrible things, grow up! If you don't like a book, you don't like a book. Move on! There is no reason to be so hateful. There are millions of authors in the world. I'm sure there's at least one out there that will be your cup of tea.

I hope I haven't offended anyone for putting my thoughts and opinions into this post. But since yesterday I have felt like I needed to get this out there for others to read. Hopefully, as readers and reviewers, we can help to lift up and encourage our favorite writers, new writers and future writers.

To all authors reading this post... YOU are amazing! YOU are rockstars! YOU can do this! And THANK YOU for creating a magical place that we can disappear into and discover new worlds whenever we open a book!

Sweet Whispers by Jeanette Lewis

Synopsis:

A thousand dreams sparked through her, memories of late nights and sweet whispers when they’d dreamed of their future together. A family where he was Dad, and she would be Mom. But it hadn’t happened.

As the executor of her grandfather’s estate, Melanie Bowers is returning to Indigo Bay for the first time in years. Her goal is to be in and out before anyone in town knows she’s there – especially Penn, the high school sweetheart who broke her heart by joining the military and leaving her alone, with no promise for their future together.

Penn Westover was anxious to complete his tour of duty, then spend the rest of his life with Melanie. But his dream shattered when she married someone else. He reluctantly moved on with his life, but he never forgot.

When Melanie and Penn reconnect in Indigo Bay and realize they’re both single again, their chemistry comes roaring back. The sparks are still there, but can they move beyond their painful memories and forgive, or are they better off leaving the past alone?

My Review: 5 Stars

I have always been a fan of second chance love stories and this one did not disappoint! Once I started Sweet Whispers, I had a hard time putting it down. In fact, I stayed curled up in bed all morning reading. I refused to leave Indigo Bay until Melanie and Penn finally got their HEA. 

Oh my heart! Their journey had all the feels I have come to love about second chance love stories. My heart broke for our sweet Melanie. With a troubled upbringing, it's no wonder she was scared to take another leap with Penn. But Penn... *dreamy sigh* He was the perfect hero for Melanie. He knew from the beginning that they were meant to be together. He didn't know what happened all those years ago but he knew this was fate's way of giving them another chance. He refused to give Melanie up again without a fight. 

I absolutely loved the twist in the story at the end! And that epilogue! *dreamy sigh* You guys! It was absolutely perfect! I couldn't have asked for a better ending! 

Ms. Lewis has definitely become a favorite of mine. I can always count on her books capturing me and transporting me to various locations that I never want to leave. Her books are always a great break from reality. I can't wait to see where she takes us next! 

And of course we can't forget my casting. I am in love with these two! They are perfect in my opinion. What do you think? 

27 Ways to Find a Boyfriend by Shari L. Tapscott

Synopsis:

If at first you don't succeed, keep going down the list...

Addison:
I need you to know I’m not pathetic. A little desperate, sure. But not pathetic. And mostly I agreed to Jessa’s insane boyfriend-finding list idea because Carter was looking at me like it was the stupidest idea known to man, and I wanted to irk him.

Carter:
Jessa’s guy-finding list is the stupidest idea known to man. The only reason Addison doesn’t have a boyfriend is because she’s the boss’s daughter, and none of the guys in our shop want to be fired.

Addison:
Maybe if he hadn’t kissed me last weekend, I wouldn’t be thinking about him constantly. See there? This is his fault. If I need to use a list to find someone who will get him out of my head, then so be it.

Carter:
Maybe if I hadn’t kissed her last weekend, the list wouldn’t bother me so much, but now I can’t get her out of my head. So I’m going to do the only thing a sane guy would do in my position. I’m going to sabotage the experiment…

My Review: 5 Stars

Holy wowzers! Can I just tell you how much I adored this book?! Once I started it, I had an extremely hard time putting it down. I may or may not have been irrationally angry when I had to go to work instead of staying home and reading all day. I love when a book captivates me like this one did. 

I absolutely loved Addison and Carter! The chemistry between these two was sizzling and I couldn't help shipping them from the very beginning. They had a lot of obstacles that most couples wouldn't have, but once they realized what they wanted, they weren't going to let anyone stop them from being happy.

The feels were definitely real my friends. I found myself laughing out loud, holding my breathe in anticipation, growling in frustration and letting out little dreamy sighs throughout the book. I honestly did not want the book to end!

I really enjoyed all the side characters as well. Jessa was hilarious and an amazing best friend. Some of the scenes with Gio and Heath were pretty funny albeit a little awkward for our sweet Addison. Have a mentioned that I laughed out loud several times? But can I just tell you how much Addison's dad got on my nerves?! Ugh! Men! Haha. 

This was a great start to a new fun series! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series being released. I have already preordered it without even reading the synopsis. I'm choosing to be adventurous! (Do you see what I did there?! 😉 Hehe.)

This is my very first book by Ms. Tapscott and I'll be checking out more of her books. Any author who can grab and keep my attention from the very first page is a for sure winner in my book.

And can we take just a minute to admire these two?! I think they make the perfect Addison and Carter! What do you think?

An American Duchess by Caroline Fyffe

Synopsis:

In Kent, England, the arrival of Beranger Northcott, Duke of Brightshire, causes a stir. Because with the duke comes his new American bride, who isn’t quite what anyone expects. By accepting the hand of her beloved, Emma Brinkman went from hardworking Colorado rancher to duchess. Now she’s expected to comport herself as nobility. Overnight. For Emma—stifled, homesick, and unable to shake the feeling she’s being watched—the metamorphosis is a challenge. And if Emma’s suspicions are correct, perhaps even a dangerous one.

Fortunately, Emma has found a trusted friend in the orphaned Charlotte, Brightshire’s scullery maid. Charlotte longs to experience—if only for a moment—the luxuries and gentry romance that come with a titled life. When one of the duke’s handsome cousins takes notice of Charlotte, the castle kitchen is set abuzz with speculation.

In navigating their two different stations, both servant and duchess alike will discover all they have in common—from secret fantasies to daring hearts to upending the rules of society. And that finding their places in the world—and love—is a dream that can come true—no matter the risks.

My Review: 3 Stars

Beranger Northcutt and his American wife Emma have returned to England so he can take his rightful place as the Duke of Brightshire. To say that Emma is nervous would be an understatement. She doesn't know how to be a Duchess and the last thing she wants to do is bring shame and embarrassment to her husband. But she's determined to do her best. 

What she didn't expect was to be undermined by her new in-laws at every turn. Sure, they seem nice and helpful when Beranger is around. But the moment he's not? All bets are off. She finds herself seeking solace and strength from not only her husband, but her new friends as well.

But when Beranger suddenly falls ill, Emma not only finds her voice, but her determination as well. She will get to the bottom of what's going on and no one will get in her way. She plans to live a long and happy life with Beranger in their new home in England. 

I really enjoyed watching Emma and Beranger get acclimated to their new surroundings. It definitely wasn't easy for them, but they pushed through and refused to let anyone bring them down. I enjoyed the mystery that was woven into the story. I found myself trying to figure out what in the world was going on and who was behind it. Sadly, I felt like there were some things that were left undone in the end. The resolution to the mystery fell a little flat for me. I wanted a just a little bit more. 

I have to admit, when I read a book with multiple POV's, I'm used to it only being the hero and heroine. But this book follows two heroes, two heroines, and a couple other POV's thrown into the mix. This is not something I would typically read and had to keep switching from person to person in my head. I've discovered that I'm not a fan of this many POV's. 

All in all, I enjoyed An American Duchess and thought it was cute. I'm looking forward to checking out more of Ms. Fyffe's books. 

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

The Princess Companion by Melanie Cellier

Synopsis:

One dark and stormy night, lost and alone, Alyssa finds herself knocking on the door of a castle.

After a lifetime spent in the deep forest, Alyssa has no idea what to expect on the other side.

What she finds is two unruly young princesses and one very handsome prince. When Alyssa accepts the job of Princess Companion she knows her life will change. What she doesn’t know is that the royal family is about to be swept up in unexpected danger and intrigue and that she just might be the only thing standing between her kingdom and destruction.

This retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, reimagines the risks and rewards that come when one royal family goes searching for a true princess.

Danger and romance await a woodcutter’s daughter in a royal palace.

My Review: 4 Stars

For those of you who know me, you know I am not a fan of YA romance. I used to read it all the time but over the last few years, I just can’t.

So, imagine my surprise when I’m a good way into the book and realize that the heroine is 17 almost 18 years old. Confession. I did not read the synopsis at all. I downloaded the book on a recommendation from a book buddy. By this point I was already invested in the book, so I just kept reading.

The Princess Companion was a fun break from reality and I enjoyed it. For me, it didn’t have the typical YA feel to the book, which was a definite plus. I thought Alyssa, our heroine, was a bit older than 18. She was mature and seemed to know a lot about various situations.

While I enjoyed the book, I did have a hard time believing the relationships between Alyssa and the Royal family. It seemed too casual to me. A lot of the things that Alyssa was involved in, in all honesty, just wouldn’t happen.

The other thing that disappointed me was the ending. I hate that it just ended. I know there are 3 other books in the series and I probably haven’t seen the last of Alyssa and Max, but I wanted just a little bit more in their book.

The other Princesses that made an appearance in this book have me intrigued and I’ll definitely continue on with this series… even though it’s YA… 😉